It'll be tough for us whoever wins
Says Chester boss Curle

Monday 14th November 2005

CHESTER City boss Keith Curle has no preference whether his side faces Weymouth or Nottingham Forest in round two.

The winner of tonight's big replay face a trip to the Deva Stadium on December 3.

Former Manchester City defender Curie will be watching the Wessex Stadium contest with interest but is not overly concerned about who is victorious.

He told Echosport: "I don't mind who wins the replay because whether we face Weymouth or Forest in round two, it'll be a cracking tie and will probably fill our ground to capacity.

'''I would worry just as much whether we have to face Weymouth or Forest, both sides would be very, very difficult to beat.

"Weymouth did superbly to earn a draw at the City Ground and that results shows just how good they are.

"If Weymouth win the replay, which I'm sure they can do, it would be a huge boost to the club and give them a real spring in their step when they come to us next month.

"We have connections with both clubs. I used to play with Forest manager Gary Megson at Manchester City and Andy Harris, who scored the equaliser for Weymouth at Nottingham, used to play for Chester.

"Whoever we face it should prove to be a cracking cup tie, and the prize of a third round place for the winners against possibly a Premiership club is a great incentive'

As a former top-flight player, Curie admits Forest's players may not fancy their trip to the Conference South outfit tonight.

"Make no mistake about it, it is very easy for league clubs to slip up against non league sides, particularly away from home.

"Your preparation has to be absolutely spot on and if you have low confidence, it's very easy to get turned over.

"Forest were expected to comfortably win the first tie but Weymouth pulled out a cracking performance to earn a draw.

"Forest can't afford another slip up and it'll be interesting to see how they react tonight:'

Another link between Chester and the Dorset non-League scene is City's goalkeeper Wayne Brown, who is currently on loan at Hereford United.

He is the brother of Jamie Brown, midfielder with Conference South neighbours Dorchester Town.