Boston United boss Craig Elliott says Rochdale FA Cup replay will be 'totally different game' to first meeting

The Pilgrims boss says the two sides know too much about each other now for a repeat...
Craig Elliott. Photo: Eric BrownCraig Elliott. Photo: Eric Brown
Craig Elliott. Photo: Eric Brown

Craig Elliott is expecting a ‘totally different game’ as Boston United and Rochdale prepare to lock horns for a second time.

The two sides played out an entertaining goalless draw at Spotland, and the winners of Monday night’s replay – to be screened on BT Sport – will earn the right to host Premier League Newcastle United in round three.

But Craig Elliott says all attention has turned to finding a way to beat the Dale, as he studies videos of the League One side and puts his squad through their paces in training.

“I think it will be a totally different game,” he said.

“We’ve had a look at them and they’ve had a look at us as well now.

“They’ve got two or three players back from injury and we’ve lost a couple, so it’ll be very different.”

United, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, are hoping they can cause a huge upset at the second time of asking.

And manager Elliott is calling on the York Street crowd to play their part.

“We’re at home and we want to make the most of that,” he said.

“We didn’t come away from the first game thinking ‘we didn’t deserve that draw’. We’ll be confident going into the next game.

“We’ve got good, experienced players who have played in front of big crowds.

“We’re hoping the fans can be our motivators and get behind us. We’ll need them as Rochdale like to play possession football.

“It’s a cliche, but they can play a big part for us, be our 12th man and get behind us if we start to tire.”

Both sides go into the game on the back of victories, Rochdale winning 2-1 at Rotherham United on Saturday as the Pilgrims were beating Kidderminster Harriers 3-1 at Aggborough.

Neither side will be in action this weekend.