RONNY GOODLASS TALKS TACTICS: Heartbreak for underdogs only result on cards

Jan 26 2008

THEY say the romance of the FA Cup has gone – but this is the tie that has rekindled the magic.

The two teams are separated by 123 places in the football pyramid. Liverpool is known around the world for its great football teams, the Beatles and two Cathedrals. Havant is the place where the parchment for the Magna Carta came from. But the collection of teachers, builders, dustbin men and taxi drivers will arrive at Anfield for one of the greatest days of their lives – and will be determined to put on a good show.

Defence

GOALKEEPER Kevin Striven is a former Bournemouth trainee and his important saves have helped his side along the cup trail.

Tom Jordan, Joe’s lad, is the rock of the defence at six feet five inches tall. An imposing and commanding centre-back, he also pops up with the odd goal as he did in the replay against Swansea. Given the height in the Havant team they are a threat at set-pieces. Justin Gregory misses out through suspension which means manager Shaun Gale may have to shuffle his back line. Jay Smith may be preferred alongside Jordan as the former Brentford man is quick, which will help if Liverpool opt to go all out with Fernando Torres up front. He reads the game well and will relish the challenge. At left-back Tony Taggart will be taking a break from his dustbin rounds. Very quick, he likes to push forward and showed his attacking ability with the winner against Notts County after dribbling through the defence.

Midfield

HAVANT won’t look to press Liverpool for fear of being passed off the park, but will be content to sit deep – as they did against Swansea – and then use their two wide players and the pace of Rocky Baptiste up front to try and catch Liverpool on the break.

Charlie Oatway, the assistant manager, has league experience with Cardiff, Torquay and Brighton and will bring his tenacity to the midfield battle. A calming influence, he likes to dictate the pace of the game and will be heard talking to his team-mates throughout. Mo Harkin is a real crowd-pleaser with his dribbling skills. Rated as a player with quick feet, he will look to deliver good ball to the front players. Jamie Collins is a real competitor in the middle. A primary school teacher preparing for the biggest lesson of his life, he will try and match Liverpool’s heart and commitment in the midfield battle. Alfie Potter, on loan from Peterborough, provides the threat down the left and will look to get his crosses in.

Attack

BAPTISTE, who is learning ‘the Knowledge’ to become a London taxi driver, is a big Liverpool fan. A former Chelsea junior, he scored against Arsenal for Farnborough in the FA Cup in 2003.

He has scored 65 goals in 90 appearances for Havant. A bubbly character, he will hope his speed can trouble the home team’s defence. Alongside him Richard Pacquette is the target man, and if Havant are under pressure they have the option of launching the ball forward to a play-er who loves playing with his back to the defenders and using his big physique to hold them off.

Dangerman

ROCKY BAPTISTE – a great goal-scoring record means he cannot be under-estimated.

Overall verdict

HAVANT owner Derek Pope has promised his players a trip to Las Vegas at the end of the season for their FA Cup exploits, but Anfield should prove to be Heartbreak Hotel for the part-timers.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON