LEISTON first-team head coach, Lee Norfolk, says the Blues will need to have the right mentality if they are to make progress in this season’s Emirates FA Cup.

The Victory Road side will travel to Isthmian North, Brentwood Town on Saturday, September 14 in the second round of qualifying – this after having knocked out another Isthmian North team, Waltham Abbey, on Saturday.

“The pressure will be on us, of course it will, being a Step above Brentwood,” Norfolk said.

“But for us it’s a good draw and one that will challenge us again. Brentwood had a good season last season and it’s too soon to judge them via the league table.

“Games against sides below us in the pyramid are potential banana skins if we don’t have the right mentality, so we go expecting a tough match.”

FRASER LOVING LIFE WITH THE BLUES

The FA Cup is still regarded as a very important competition for non-league sides, not just for kudos, but also for the prize money involved. The winners of this tie will receive £3,375.

“Going through a few rounds of the FA Cup puts the club in the limelight and also presents different challenges for players and staff,” Norfolk said.

“And nothing beats the excitement of the draw when you are in the hat.”

Meanwhile, the Blues face two important Southern League Premier Central clashes in the next week or so, with a trip to Halesowen on Saturday, followed by a big Suffolk derby at Victory Road next Tuesday, September 10, against AFC Sudbury.

“The league is our priority,” Norfolk added. “Halesowen will be a chance for us to see where we are in comparison to the top five, then a big clash with AFC Sudbury will be tasty, I’m sure.

“We’ve won our last two games so we’re hoping to go on a bit of a run now and still be in good shape come the FA Cup clash.”