FA Cup first round preview Macclesfield v AFC Totton: Stags boss Jimmy Ball on busy month for his squad
AFC Totton boss Jimmy Ball is calling on everyone in his squad to step up when needed ahead of an “insane” fixture period.
The high-flying National League South Stags will play eight matches in 28 days in all competitions, starting with their FA Cup first-round tie this Saturday.
While Ball accepts he will need to rotate his squad, he thinks they have got the numbers to cope with a gruelling schedule.
“We have got a good squad,” said 50-year-old Ball. “We have got a squad of 18 or 19, which is enough.
“We’re going to have to use them all because November is insane! We have got eight games in 28 days.
“We’re going to have to mix and match, and players will have to step up when their chance comes.”
Totton will start that run with an FA Cup clash at play-off chasing National League North team Macclesfield.
Ball said: “There’s a lot of excitement. We’re just going to enjoy it and enjoy the occasion.
“It’s a tough game. It will be a bit of a change for us.
“Macclesfield’s pitch is massive! It’s one of the biggest in the country but that means we can play football on it.
“Hopefully, we’ll acquit ourselves well and remain in the FA Cup.”
Macclesfield - now led by John Rooney after former Wales international Robbie Savage’s exit for National League Forest Green in the summer - are on a four-game winning run.
They have only failed to score twice in matches this term.
Ball said: “I think they try and play the ball out wide. Their attacking players are exciting.
“We will definitely have to defend well in order to get anything out of it.
“It’s a real test - but so it should be at this stage of the competition. We’re excited to play the game.”
The Stags were 2-1 league winners against Chelmsford last weekend, bouncing back from a 2-0 defeat at Bath four days earlier.
All the goals came in the first 20 minutes as striker Tony Lee broke the deadlock and midfielder Christie Ward came up with the game’s all-important third goal - his first for the club.
“I’m pleased for Christie Ward,” said Ball. “I actually said before the game that he would score on Saturday.
“He wants to contribute more with goals and assists but, with all the other stuff he does, that’s fantastic. We’re pleased with where he is at.
“There should be more to come from all the midfield lads. We get loads of the ball so that’s part of what we want - goals from midfield. Hopefully, that will kick Christie on.”
AFC Totton continue to belie many pre-season expectations in their first National League South season as they sit in the play-off places.
Ball is remaining level-headed, though, with only just over a quarter of the campaign now gone.
He said: “It’s early days. We cannot get too carried away.
“This league is relentless and you don’t get any breathers. Every single game is tough, physically tough and mentally tough.
“It’s relentless and we will have to be relentless to maintain this position. But we back the boys.
“If we get our conditioning right, we always back the boys to produce. I’ll freshen up the squad when I need to.
“Hopefully, we can maintain where we are - but we’re not counting any chickens yet.”
The Stags will host Maidenhead United in the league on Tuesday.
AFC Totton have been drawn away to Isthmian Premier Folkestone Invicta in the FA Trophy second round on Saturday, November 15.