Dunn to spur on cup-ready Latics

DAVID DUNN . . . cup heartbreak

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Manager David Dunn will use his own semi-final FA Cup heartache to spur him on at Mansfield on Saturday

As part of the Blackburn side that pushed Chelsea into extra-time before losing to a Michael Ballack goal seven years ago, Dunn experienced what he feels right now — deep disappointment at being on the wrong end of a defeat, despite being the better side.

Dunn believes Athletic were unfortunate in losing to Burton at the weekend, and there will be no taking the FA Cup lightly.

: “Growing up, the FA Cup was always fantastic to watch and something I’m very proud of being involved with. I only managed to get to the semi-finals, but it is a great cup and one we will be taking very seriously.

“I can remember being so disappointed for so long after being beaten by Chelsea in the semi-final. That was very hard to take. We were unlucky and everyone probably knew we were the better side — but it isn’t always the best side that wins.”

We can’t suggest this weekend’s tie represents something of a cup final for the Stags. But Dunn hopes that his side can rise to the occasion — even if they will travel to Nottinghamshire without key players.

Injury victims Mike Jones and Michael Higdon were major absences in the Burton game, and this Saturday Dunn will have to pick a team for the first-round tie without suspended skipper Liam Kelly.

“Jones and Higdon were two big misses for us, as was Danny Lafferty,” Dunn added.

“You miss your better players, of course. But we can’t feel sorry for ourselves and every manager up and down the country has the same problems. We have to make the best of it.”