Clinton Mola is expecting a tough test for Bristol Rovers as they welcome Cambridge United to The Memorial Stadium on Friday night.
It is the start of the Gas' Emirates FA Cup run, with the Pirates boasting a strong First Round Proper record, having won their previous seven ties at this stage of the competition.
However, after a good start to their Sky Bet League One campaign, Cambridge will have their own Emirates FA Cup ambitions. Time away from league action could be coming at the right time for both teams after winless runs, with Mola's aim clear: progress into the Second Round Proper.
Speaking to the media before the tie, Mola knows the challenge the U's will bring but knows the Gas need to turn around their form and sees Friday night's match as the perfect opportunity to do just that.
FLEETWOOD TOWN REFLECTIONS
"It was a tough one for the boys. We know our away form is not great at the moment, and we need to try and get a result against Cambridge on Friday, but it was a difficult one. It was disappointing because we knew we could have played so much better. We just didn't perform that day."
NEEDING SOMETHING TO TURN
"I feel like we need that moment. At times, we create good chances, but it's just not dropping for us or getting in good areas. It's just not happening.
"Even when Reiss [Russell-Denny] got the goal, I think that's where we've got to keep pushing on them, and, of course, we conceded again. We've just got to look forward to the next game and try to turn it around."
EXPERIENCE DURING A TOUGH RUN
"It's massive. We've got good senior figures at this club, and today and Monday, we have been having chats and missing. Listen, the boys want to turn it around, and that's our only aim, and it starts on Friday's game against Cambridge.
"Whether it's a cup game or league game, we're in it to try and win games, and Friday will be a tough test, but it's a good opportunity at The Mem on Friday night to play in front of our crowd and try and get into the next round."
PLAYING A LEAGUE ONE SIDE
"We played Peterborough earlier in the season, and we battled well against them in a lot of parts of the game and only lost one-nil. We know we can come up against a League One side and put in a good fight.
"Cambridge will be a different test. They are doing well in League One, and we know that everyone needs to be on it on Friday."
A GOOD YEAR FOR MOLA
"I am grateful that I have worked hard to get into the team again in a new role, and since the turn of the year in January, I feel like I have done well and I have tried to help the team in whatever way I can.
"That's in a new role, and a role that I am more comfortable and familiar with. That's thanks to the gaffer for identifying that and playing me in there. Every game I have played there since, I have been trying to repay his faith in me and the faith the fans have had in me as well.
"I feel good, body-wise. I feel healthy; I feel fit, and as long as I can just keep playing Saturday-Tuesday and help out the team, the consistency is good for me, and it's good that I am getting that because it means I can keep growing in my performances as well."
