No extra pressure on Dons to see off non-league FA Cup opponents

Giant-killings are what makes the FA Cup one of the most famous cup competitions in football. And when MK Dons travel to Eastleigh tomorrow, not many will be watching and hoping for a victory for Russell Martin's side.

The game will be televised on Sunday afternoon, with casual viewers hoping the National League side can get one over their League One counterparts, but those opinions do not add extra pressure on the side from Milton Keynes.

Having never lost to non-league opposition, Martin admitted not many will want them to progress into the second round on Sunday, but says there is no extra pressure on his side to win because: "That's the British mentality, that underdog spirit," he said. "I remember thinking the same when I would watch these games, you root for the lower-league team, that's the nature of the FA Cup.

"It doesn't add extras pressure for us, the guys should enjoy the challenge and the chance to progress into the next round. Everyone is looking forward to it.

"It's a nice distraction for it not to be in the league, and it will give some players the chance to play who have not played recently. It's a big chance for us to go there and enjoy it."

Midfielder Louis Thompson added: "It's always nice to have a cup run, and the traditions of the FA Cup run deep in English football. It's one everyone looks forward to and I hope we can start with a win tomorrow.

"It's no more pressure, it's just a game of football for us. Eastleigh are a good side but we have to face up to the fact everyone wants a cup upset – it's part of the glamour. We have to be professional and diligent in our process, go out there and perform like we know we can."

Scares against lower league opposition are something Martin is familiar with. Making his FA Cup debut in 2004, Martin, playing for Wycombe Wanderers, admitted struggling against Coalville at Adams Park and needing a late Roger Johnson goal to see them into the second round.

He said: "Ive got a few low-lights, you always remember those, playing lower league opposition. I'll make sure the players are aware of that!

"I remember playing in it the first time, for Wycombe against Coalville and that was a scary game. I started thinking it would be easy – a non-league playing against all these experienced pros, and they took us to the wire and we nicked it at the end. Those memories stick with you. I really want to do well in the FA Cup."