CHIPSTEAD manager Steve Baker is looking forward to Saturday's FA Cup derby at Merstham, admitting it is a "huge game" for both teams.
Merstham and Chipstead have both had good starts to their Ryman League Division One South campaigns and Baker is anticipating a fierce contest, but admits the financial boost of a first qualifying round win would be welcome.
"It's a huge game for both clubs," he said. "Everyone knows the FA Cup is financially really important to all clubs at this level but it is a local derby as well.
"We know it is going to be a tough game; Merstham are a really good side and they had a great run towards the end of last season. They have had a good start this year and I've watched them a couple of times.
"I reckon they are one of the best sides in the league. We will go there and give it a go and try to get something out of the game."
Chipstead go into the game on the back of an extraordinary 3-2 win over Whitstable Town on Tuesday night. Defender Ben Dyett and goalkeeper Aaron Bufton were both sent off, leaving Chipstead with nine men from the 54th minute onwards, and while Baker was less than impressed with some of the referee's decisions, he praised his team's "character".
"It's frustrating because Ben Dyett's first yellow card was justified, we have no problem with that, but they made three back tackles before that and the referee didn't give one yellow card," The Chipstead boss explained. "Then Ben's second yellow was embarrassing; the referee said he didn't think Ben had already been booked, went to book him again and realised.
"For me, he needs to talk to the player and tell him if he does it again he's off. I didn't even think it was a foul. I won't say too much about the referee. Everyone at the game could see his performance.
"It was a shame because it nearly cost us three points and it was frankly a farcical game. The boys showed great character to hold on."
