United captain Stephen Dawson says he’s relishing Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup first round clash with Charlton Athletic at the Valley.
The Irishman stated it’s a competition he always looks forward to, and revealed he’s looking for another good run in it this year.Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Dawson said: “It’s been another good, positive week.
“We’ve been working hard all week. They’re a good team, they proved that when they came down here.
“It’s possibly one of the harder draws in the competition, but one we’re looking forward to. We’re in a good run of form, but obviously the league counts for nothing now. This is a cup competition and you’ve got to perform, because you’ll be soon knocked out if you don’t.
“We’ve got to go and nullify their threats, because they’ve got some really good players, and hopefully we can get the win.
“The gaffer will set up to win the game as well, it doesn’t change with him. He wants to win every single game, like on the training pitch.”
Dawson went on to say the cup is always held in high regard in his eyes, and that he hopes the Iron can create more great memories this time around.
“I’m really looking forward to it, because cup competitions are special. We had the great run last year,” Dawson stated.
“You don’t get many chances at this cup run. There is a tag of an underdog, but anyone can beat anyone and there’s that extra spice - it’s a great competition.
“I believe we’re hoping to take nearly 1,000 fans down to Charlton, which is incredible. I keep mentioning it, but the support has been great, they’re getting behind us, and it really means a lot."
United go into the game on the back of a 4-1 victory at home to Swindon Town last weekend but, for Dawson, there are still areas he believes can be improved.
He added that it was slightly frustrating to concede against the Robins, while at the same time stating that it’s a sign of how far the team has progressed.
“That’s probably the standards we’re setting ourselves, with us winning 4-1 and still we’re moaning about it a little,” he explained.
“It’s a good thing, but that counts for nothing come Saturday. Because if you don’t perform, you’re out of the FA Cup, and it’s as simple as that.
“We’re on a good run, and it’s always nice to be going in there winning, but we’ve got to go and do the job on Saturday.”
See much more from Stephen Dawson, Graham Alexander and David Mirfin on The Iron PlayerHD.
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