Coventry City manager Steven Pressley believes AFC Wimbledon will provide a stern test in the first round of the FA Cup...
Coventry City manager Steven Pressley believes AFC Wimbledon will provide a 'difficult test' in the first round of the FA Cup.
The Sky Blues have a brilliant start to the League One season, having recorded October victories over Stevenage, Sheffield United, Leyton Orient and Walsall.
Despite a great start to the season which saw the London side in the League Two play-off positions in September, AFC Wimbledon are currently sitting in 15th position in the table having gone six games without a win.
City were drawn against the Dons in yesterday's first round draw and the City boss believes the tie will be a 'great occasion'.
Pressley said: "It is a good draw as I think it will be a great game and a chance to test ourselves against a really good side.
"It is a difficult draw for us because they showed their qualities against MK Dons in the FA Cup last season and it took MK Dons to score a late goal to get through.
"It shows they can play well against some difficult teams so we have to ensure that we are at our best and there is no upset.
"There is a lot of FA Cup tradition in the fixture which might add something to the game but we have to prepare for the game in the normal way.
"We will give them the utmost respect. We are under no illusions just how difficult the game is going to be."
Coventry have been knocked out of the other two Cup competitions, the Capital One Cup and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
City made the third round of the FA Cup last season, having recorded wins over Arseley Town and Morecambe, where the Sky Blues lost 3-0 at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur.
Having won the competition in 1987, Pressley says success in the world's oldest Cup competition is 'very high' on the agenda.
He added: "Being in the FA Cup gives the club, the supporters and the players an energy which means the Cup is very important to us.
"There is always a real excitement when playing in the competition and gives the club a chance to boost it's profile. Players thrive off playing against teams in the higher leagues which would be good to see.
"The FA Cup, like any cup competition has to remain very high on our priority list. Our ambitions would always be to win the next game.
"I think Bradford should be an inspiration to us all for what they did in the League Cup last season. It shows what can be achieved when you get the momentum behind you."