IAN Bogie has warned his Gateshead stars not to let a “great opportunity” escape them by underestimating Dartford today.
The Tynesiders entertain the Blue Square Bet South side at the International Stadium in the last 16 of the FA Trophy and are favourites to overcome the lower league outfit.
However, Bogie insists he will eschew the chance to field some of his squad’s fringe players.
He has demanded those he does select take this afternoon’s encounter just as seriously.
“It will be a difficult game for us,” said Bogie, whose only absentee is Gary Mulligan (groin).
“Dartford have picked up some decent results of late, they beat the league leaders (Braintree Town) on Tuesday night and they’ll be coming to our place as underdogs but in good form.
“However, we are in good form as well and if we play to our maximum we will win the game.
“With the massive backlog of games we have in the league, the last thing we want is to have to travel to Dartford for a Tuesday night replay.
“So we have to make sure we are fully focused and prepared properly, and everyone’s mindset is on a home victory.
“We have been given a home tie and an opportunity to progress into the quarter-finals of a major trophy.
“So our application’s has to be spot-on because if it is not we’ll get beaten.”
Bogie – whose assistant Terry Mitchell took in Dartford’s 1-0 win over Bishop’s Stortford last Saturday – added: “We like to think we have strength in depth in the squad but we won’t be making wholesale changes.
“We are not in the game to look after players. We try to play our strongest possible team in every game.
“It is a great opportunity for the club to get to Wembley. I am not sure any of the lads have played there so it is not one we will let slip by.
“They have to be focused and treat the game like any other. We will take it as seriously as any game and go all out to win.”
Meanwhile, Gateshead are close to securing an extension to Newcastle United starlet James Tavernier’s loan spell at the International Stadium, following a successful first month at the club.
