Molesey are not exactly planning to go for the jugular at Ebbsfleet United this Saturday, but boss Steve Webb believes attack is still the best form of defence.
It is the Moles’ first season back in the FA Trophy after a seven-year absence - and they are looking good on both league and cup fronts so far.
Despite disappointing back-to-back losses, they are seventh in the Isthmian League Division One South and won their first three FA Trophy encounters to line up a visit to Ebbsfleet.
Ebbsfleet United v Molesey
FA Trophy
Third round qualifying
3pm, Saturday 28 November
Stonebridge Road
The Fleet are on somewhat of a roll two leagues above in National League South however, having streaked seven points clear of the chasing pack.
And while Webb is approaching the game with a positive mindset, he concedes the Moles must take their chances at the first time of asking.
“They are looking to be a National League team next year, but so many teams have won this season when the result wasn’t expected to go their way,” he said.
“We are a very attack-minded side and we don’t want to curb our natural instincts too much, but we might need to rein it in a little bit to contain them.
"Sometimes you see a lower league side taking a bigger to a replay at their home and some people think that’s their chance, but most of the time that doesn’t happen – look at Maidenhead and Port Vale.
“So we will probably have to put in one really big performance. It’s a win-win situation really, playing in front of 800 or 900 people and the financial benefits. It is going to be a great occasion."
Daryl McMahon is in his first season in charge at Ebbsfleet and, though just 32 years of age, the former West Ham United academy midfielder has taken to management like a duck to water.
“We’re looking forward to the game, they might be in a lower division but they come to it as a team used to winning”
Daryl McMahon Ebbsfleet manager
He became a key cog in the heart of Fleet’s midfield after signing in 2013, but left for Boreham Wood at the start of this year.
However, the manager’s job became available over the summer and McMahon – who won the FA Trophy with Stevenage back in 2009 – has been quick to stamp his philosophy on the club.
“I believe in playing a certain way and we do, plenty of possession, respecting the ball and being exciting to watch," said McMahon, who was also academy manager at Ebbsfleet up until taking over as boss.
"We have tried to follow that, and though we’ve not got it perfect yet we’re striving to do that.
“We’re looking forward to the game, they might be in a lower division but they come to it as a team used to winning as they’re doing very well in the league.
“It’s a massive competition for the players at this level to play at a great stadium but we have got to go in fully focused or we won’t go far.”
