Bristol Rovers boss John Ward says his side have made the most of a few days off and look “re-energised” ahead of their FA Cup Second Round replay at Crawley Town.
Ward’s men drew 0-0 with Crawley in the original fixture back on 7 December, but an abandonment and a postponement since then have seen the game put back twice.
On Wednesday morning the Reds confirmed that, following a pitch inspection at Broadfield Stadium, the replay will go ahead at the third attempt. Ward says his players are raring to go after ten days without a game.
Crawley Tn v Bristol Rov
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Second Round proper replay
7.45pm, Wednesday 8 January 2014
Broadfield Stadium
Winners receive £27,000 from FA Prize Fund
“I have learned over the years that you just have to manage the circumstances and prepare in the same way as you always do,” said Ward.
"The last thing we really want is to have to be playing on a Saturday and a Tuesday every week between now and the end of the season.
"That said, the players have returned from a couple of days off over the weekend and are re-energised.
"They won't mind that we have a strong period of games coming up now because all they want to do is play."
Highlights from The FA Cup Second Round tie
The winners of Wednesday’s replay will not only scoop £27,000 from The FA’s Prize Fund, but will also face Birmingham City at St Andrews in the Third Round next week.
Beyond that, a potential home Fourth Round meeting with Premier League outfit Swansea City is on offer, but Ward is focused only on the job in hand.
"It is all very hypothetical at the minute," said Ward. "We'll be trying to beat Crawley, they'll be trying to beat us.
“The winners will go to Birmingham and that is all that is certain at the moment."
Ward added: "John [Gregory, Crawley Town boss] will probably feel his side can beat us on their home ground, but will also have respect for us and will know that we will offer them a tough game."
