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Friday, March 11, 2016

We Are Going To Hereford To Have A Go Says Claridge


Salisbury manager Steve Claridge has said that his squad are going to Hereford 'to have a go' in the FA Vase tie tomorrow afternoon.

"People have asked me if I am going to change anything as it's over two legs, maybe go a bit more defensive," Claridge told the Salisbury OS.

"My answer is no. We are going to Hereford to have a go. I won't compromise.
         
 "There is nothing worse than losing a game when you have compromised yourself," added Steve. "I think Hereford will have the same attitude home and away as well.
           
 "These are two sides who have got their success playing an attacking game so why would you change that?
           
 "I expect goals because both sides have goals in them. I think the team who comes through over the two legs will be the one who apply themselves best when they haven't got the ball."

His players are all fit.
       
 "They're all fit and available," said Claridge, "and everybody has a chance of playing. It will be a tough team selection because everybody has contributed so much to getting us to the top of the league and to this stage of the Vase.             

"This is a fantastic situation for all of them. This is the kind of challenge they need and will thrive on. The hard work for me, to be honest, is to get them right for some bread and butter league games. Not for something like this.
           
 "That's not about motivation. They're always motivated and give you everything. It's just that some games come too easy to them. This one won't. They know this won't be easy."
            
Salisbury supporters could be outnumbered by 7 to 1.
           
 "It might be intimidating for Hereford. It won't be for us. The following they have is fantastic but it can go one way or another. Sometimes if things don't go their way, fans of big clubs can turn.            

 "Fair play to Hereford, though. They have shown what a big club they are in selling all those tickets. They are a league club in every way and the fans have shown what a great football town it is.
           
 "But we will have a fair few ourselves and I expect them to make themselves heard in the way that away fans love to do. They have done brilliantly everywhere we've gone so far."
           
With Wembley the prize, Claridge feels the games will be up and down
            
"There will be moments over these games when we will come under pressure.

 "We could go behind, or go ahead and then concede a goal. Both teams will have spells of dominance. The games will be really up and down, I'm sure.
           
 "But they are games I for one wanted. They are games both of us could only dream about a year ago. Wembley is about a day and an occasion.
           
 "These are two hardcore football matches for two sets of hardcore football people."