Mark Yates previews The Robins FA Cup fixture against Hereford.
Mark Yates speaking to the press ahead of Monday nights FA Cup match v. Hereford."In many ways there are lots of positives, it's a home game against a team from a lower league but we won't be taking them for granted.
"We know the record they have against us, even since I've been here I don't think we've been able to beat them. They've got some good players, they've been on a good run. Martin's done a really good job there in what sounds like really difficult circumstances. They'll be as clued up as any other team will be, as switched on as any other team would be against us. They'll be well supported and we've got to match that and their support from the terraces, for the fans to get behind the players and look forward to what will be a decent game of football.
"The game on Monday alters the week slightly, we managed to get a few really good days into the players early in the week and we've staggered some of the days we've had off. We can't get them in everyday and train all hours, when Monday comes we will have had a great 9 days since Barnet. We've got some great work into the players both physically and tactically. So helpfully we'll be ready and all guns blazing.
"It was a massive win against Barnet, we wanted to make sure we set where we were in the league and stayed there for a couple of weeks. We've had 5 wins at home on the spin now and it keeps that record going, it was important to bounce back from two difficult away trips.
"I don't think it being a cup game makes any difference, the fact we don't have good records against certain teams, it's a different set of players and circumstances. Our record against them isn't something that will be bothering us.
"Former Cheltenham players will just add to the flavour of a local-ish derby anyway, it will be good to see them. They'll have bits on us but it's two different teams. We'll just concentrate on our boys and make sure we carry on our preperation properly. We'll go out there and play to our maximum.
"It's about the two teams going out there, both managers will say they're as prepared as they can be, you have to deal with any injuries you might get or any suspensions we have. We don't disrespect anybody, we don't take anybody lightly and that gets drilled into the players.
"Lawson D'Ath and Jake Taylor will both be available, it creates real competition in midfield, we're delighted Reading have given them permission to play. Lawson had played for us already against Yate and it's nice to have another option aswell with Jake.
"Lawson's trained all week and he'll continue to do so, we'll monitor him all week but I don't see him having any problems. Mohamed should be back, he's training today.
"Sido (Jombati) has a chance of making the bench, he's made a good recovery, we'll have a think about it and see how he progresses over the next couple of days. Hopefully he'll feature on Monday, if not then Saturday. His fitness levels are really good, he promised me he'd be back in 3 weeks and hopefully he will get ahead of that. "