Chaddy boss Howard is hungry for a shock victory

CUP TEST . . . Chadderton manager Mark Howard

CHADDERTON FC boss Mark Howard isn't concerned about his side's 'underdog' tag ahead of tonight's Hallmark Security League Macron Cup semi-final first leg away at City of Liverpool.

Chaddy head to Merseyside tonight for their biggest game of the season full of confidence, despite having lost twice to the same opposition already in the league so far this term.

This is cup football, though - the Macron Cup is the league's premier knockout competition - and Howard's charges are relishing tonight's prospect.

The Chaddy boss said: "I've got a hungry young squad of players and they all can't wait for tonight.

MASSIVE

"We know we're going to be up against it (Chaddy have lost 3-1 at home and 5-0 away at City of Liverpool this term), but we've got nothing to fear.

"Of course Liverpool will be massive favourites, but we'll be well up for playing in front of a big crowd and hopefully ruffling a few feathers.

"There will be a crowd of five or six hundred in the stadium, but my lads will thrive on that extra atmosphere.

"If you can't get up for a game like this, then there's something not right."

Tactics-wise, Howard has clear plans in his mind, seemingly aimed at trying to get at the City of Liverpool defence as often as possible.

Chaddy will need to make sure they're still in contention by the time the second home leg comes around on Thursday, April 20. Away goals are also taken into account should the scores be level after the two ties.

Howard added: "We're determined to give a good account of ourselves in the first leg.

"We'll go there with a solid formation, while we are also very strong going forward.

"There's goals in all our midfielders and we'll be looking to get the full-backs to bomb on.

"You certainly can't set yourself up for losing in this situation."

SUSPENSION

The only negative news for Chaddy ahead of tonight's crunch clash is that star midfielder Sam Gibson is unavailable through suspension following a recent sending-off against St Helens Town.

"Gibbo will be a massive loss," added Howard.

"But we got plenty of choice in the midfield area so we'll tweak things accordingly."

Barnoldswick Town host Bootle in tonight's other Cup semi-final first leg.