PREVIEW: McCann warns of Woking threat ahead of FA Cup tie

Peterborough United manager Grant McCann is under no illusions about the tough FA Cup task facing his side at non-league Woking on Sunday (December 3, 2pm kick off).
Posh boss Grant McCann encourages his players at Charlton.Posh boss Grant McCann encourages his players at Charlton.
Posh boss Grant McCann encourages his players at Charlton.

Posh are long odds on favourites to claim their second National League scalp of the season having despatched Tranmere 5-0 in a first round replay away from home last month.

But McCann has warned his players against complacency.

“I watched Woking win at Bury in the first round,” McCann said. “And they were very good on the night. I’ve seen tham a couple of times now and they are a good footballing side who like to play between lines and catch teams on the hop with the face and quality of their front three. They have three or four players who could hurt you.

Posh teenager Leo Da Silva Lopes in action at Charlton.Posh teenager Leo Da Silva Lopes in action at Charlton.
Posh teenager Leo Da Silva Lopes in action at Charlton.
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“We must be aware of their threat, but make sure our gameplan is better. We will plan with the same thoroughness as we would for a league match. The FA Cup is a special competition and we want to get into that third round draw.

“They have Kane Ferdinand in their side. I played with him a few times when he was at Peterborough. He played well for us in the Championship so we know about his qualities.”

It’s unlikely McCann will change the starting line-up after an encouraging effort at Charlton on Tuesday (November 28). Posh threw away a 2-0 lead in the final moments of that League One match, but once the disappointment of that finish had evaporated, there were many positives for McCann to savour.

“It was one of our most complete performances of the season,” McCann added. “We should have sewn the game up well before the frantic finish.

Chris Forrester made a pleasing return to the Posh starting line-up at Charlton.Chris Forrester made a pleasing return to the Posh starting line-up at Charlton.
Chris Forrester made a pleasing return to the Posh starting line-up at Charlton.
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“We controlled most of the game. Alex Penny did well on his debut at right-back considering he was up against one of the best players in the league, and if he plays on Sunday he will have another good test as Woking have good wide players.

“Leo Da Silva Lopes was excellent playing off our striker at Charlton.

“It’s Leo’s best position, but we’ve had players in decent form like Junior Morias and Marcus Maddison playing in that position so it’s not been easy getting him a game up there.

“Leo has become one of our most important players no matter where he plays though. He’s very adaptable.

Woking midfielder Kane Ferdinand in his Posh days.Woking midfielder Kane Ferdinand in his Posh days.
Woking midfielder Kane Ferdinand in his Posh days.
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“Chris Forrester is also coming back to form. There’s a big battle now between many good midfielders for the right to play alongside Anthony Grant.”

Former Posh youth team defender Nathan Ralph is also in the Woking squad.

Morias is still five-to-six weeks away from his return from a thigh injury. Right-back Liam Shephard is a fortnight away from his comeback.