Match Preview

Whitby Town manager Nathan Haslam admitted the squad must approach Saturday's Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division visit to FC United of Manchester with a similar mentality to their first three away league outings this season.

The Seasiders travel to Greater Manchester this weekend (kick-off 3pm) targeting back-to-back wins, as well as looking to build on their impressive start to the season away from home which has seen them claim maximum points at Guiseley, Marine and Ilkeston Town.

Following last Saturday's narrow Emirates FA Cup win over Prescot Cables, Haslam stressed the importance of turning attention back to the league for the next couple of fixtures before the cup campaign continues at home to Morpeth Town next weekend.

Here are some of the boss' main talking points from this week's pre-match chat:

On his reflection of last Saturday's 2-1 Emirates FA Cup win against Prescot Cables at the Towbar Express Stadium @ The Turnbull Ground which saw the Seasiders advance to the Third Qualifying Round:

"In the first half it was pretty nip and tuck until the first goal went in, and I think we went 15 minutes of just being on the front foot and Prescot couldn't contain us. We were good value for the two goals that we scored and Brad's hit the post and unfortunately a really good free-kick from them brought them into it and put us on the back foot.

"First and foremost we're through to the next round which is brilliant, but we showed a side to us where we've been under the cosh and we've managed to cope with that. Prescot through the kitchen sink at us but we rose to the challenge and we were very happy in the end."

On the draw for the Third Qualifying Round which has seen the Seasiders paired with fellow Northern Premier League Premier Division side, Morpeth Town:

"I don't think it really matters who we get. It's a one off game and one that you don't want to lose so we've got to go and express ourselves against a side that we know very well.

"It's a very winnable game but they'll be saying exactly the same. It's an opportunity for a team in the NPL to get a shot at the First Round Proper because one of us is going to through to the last qualifying round.

"The important thing for us is we've got to make sure it's us that go through. We'll be ready for it and it's a game that we're looking forward to, but before that we've got two very important league games."

On facing FC United of Manchester, who suffered their first home defeat of the season in the FA Cup last weekend:

"There have been some really entertaining games between the two sides at their place. We've not lost there which is a good omen at the moment but it's always a good footballing spectacle at a good setup and a lovely pitch.

"They're used to teams going there and raising their game against them but for us it's just another football game. We're going there to win a football game.

"They've got one of the best home records in the league so far and we've not lost away from home so far so it makes for a juicy tie."

On injury updates, including attacker Junior Mondal:

"Junior's touch and go, we've got to be careful. All the signs are positive but we need to monitor Junior. He did partake in training, albeit lightly but we'll just have to see.

"Not just for us, but for any team in the league he'd be a big player, and he does affect games at the top end of the pitch with pace and a great left foot.

"We've also missed other players as well who are experienced so it's credit to the boys who are playing. It's a squad game and they're performing admirably. We know we can perform better but it's a good omen for us that we're picking up points like we are and we're still in the FA Cup."