Martin holds fond memories of Cup

Goalkeeper David Martin has heard plenty of stories from his dad Alvin who got his hands on the world’s most famous trophy back in 1980 as he helped West Ham spring a surprise win over Arsenal.

“My dad has his medal and shirt up on the wall at home,” said David Martin. “You look at it and think ‘yeah, he’s a bit of a ledge, my dad!’

“That day meant so much to him, and to win the FA Cup is a great thing for my dad to have.”

Dons stunned the world when they knocked Manchester United 4-0 out of the League Cup in August 2014 in one of the biggest occasions Milton Keynes has seen.

For Martin, it was only afterwards that he understood the magnitude of the result and what it meant for the town.

“I didn’t really realise what that game meant until afterwards,” he said. “Until you play in that environment every week, you don’t understand, especially with the media.

“I don’t think we realised the affect the Manchester United game would have. We were walking around the centre and getting recognised. It was a great feeling, but I was on a downer for months afterwards because it as such a great feeling!

“Hopefully it’ll be the same against Chelsea. We’re a league higher now, and hopefully hold our own, get a draw and go to Stamford Bridge.

“We’ve got to look forward to it, of course, and enjoy the build up. We can’t let the build up get to us. It’s important we treat it just like another game. Whatever happens, happens.”

For Martin, it’s a game without pressure. Not many expect Dons to get anything from the game against Chelsea, despite their own struggles this season.

He said: “I try to treat it as just another game. I didn’t go into the Manchester United game thinking ‘we’re going to get thumped’ or ‘we’re going to beat them.’

“It’s a game you want to be a part of, and be on a stage playing teams like Chelsea. All we can do is enjoy it. These games don’t come around often.

“We can’t really lose, unless we get pummelled 5-0! It’s something you can put on your CV and look back on.

“It’s the FA Cup, it’s a great competition to be a part of and we know how much it will mean for the supporters. Hopefully we can enjoy it with them.”

And with the potential of taking on the likes of Spain international Diego Costa, Martin is chomping at the bit to get going.

“I’ve played in League 1 for most of my career so I’m used to the rough and tumble, but not a striker with that much quality,” he added. “Hopefully he’s misfiring on Sunday! I’d like to look back and say I’ve kept a clean sheet against him.”