Leese shifts focus to FA Cup run

Sep 7 2012 By Greg Burns

Andy Leese

ANDY Leese has warned his Chesham United side to keep their foot on the gas or risk an FA Cup upset this weekend.

The Generals stormed to second spot in the Evo-Stik Premier Division on Tuesday night with a powerful 3-0 home win over Bashley.

Only goal difference keeps them off the summit in what has been a fantastic start to the season. But they switch their focus to cup duties now, both FA Cup and FA Trophy games in the coming weeks.

They start with a home FA Cup first qualifying round tie against Division One Central side Northwood, with the memory of crashing out of the competition to lower league opposition four times in the past six seasons.

“We have to be efficient and respect Northwood,” said Leese. “They are a good passing team and I think they will come with nothing to lose.

“We have got to go about our business as we did tonight against Bashley, and try and progress. It is a big month because there could be two FA Cup rounds and an FA Trophy game.

“There is a lot of prize money at stake and we need to do better than we have in previous years. I know that and the players know that.”

Generals skipper Danny Talbot, striker Michael Chennells and teenager Lewis Rolfe scored the goals to beat Bashley.

Chennells’ strike was his first in a Chesham shirt and the 26-year-old admits he was relieved to break his duck.

“It was good because it has been a long time coming and it was great to finally get off the mark. I have been unlucky but now that the first one has gone in I will start to get a few more,” he said.

“Andy has asked me to drop in and do the holding role because a lot of teams who play us like to have a man in the hole to try to cause us problems. I am happy to do a job for the team but I am a goalscorer and that is what I thrive on.”