Boston United must not let hearts rule heads during FA Cup clash with Rochdale - Elliott

The Pilgrims’ stuck to their game plan as they held League One Rochdale to a goalless draw at Spotland.

But this week’s FA Cup replay will be a completely different spectacle as thousands pack into York Street for the televised contest, the winners hosting Premier League Newcastle United.

Despite instrumental midfielders Andi Thanoj and Brad Abbott ruled out through injury and suspension, Elliott believes the best way to cause an upset would be for Boston to keep with the style of play which has served them so well in recent weeks.

“We’ve got a few out and that can change the dynamics, but it’s about repetition really,” he said.

“We’ve been playing well recently. It’s about lads relying on that confidence.

“We’ve done a lot of repetition in training, just the only thing that will change on Monday is the emotion.

“It’ll be a big crowd. We’ve got to make sure we get the balance right, playing with our hearts and heads.”

FA Cup fever has swept Boston, especially with the opportunity to host the Magpies if victorious.

But Elliott says his side cannot afford to get caught up in the moment or with what-might-bes.

“I just think there’s a general excitement around the club, these things don’t happen too often,” he added.

“But life doesn’t change for me, it’s business as usual, I’ve got a job to do.

“I find it hard to talk about the Newcastle game, I’ve got a lot of respect for Rochdale.

“It’s difficult and you can’t let emotion to get in the way of that as we’ve got Rochdale first.

“They’re a good team, we didn't do it by fluke, we played well. We’ve got good characters and good players.”

While Elliott wants more of the same from his sided, he expects the Dale to stick to their possession game when they meet again.

“Thats the way they’ve played. They’d show us too much respect if they changed that,” he added.

“They’re the League One team and favourites. That’s up to them, but we’ve got out own way of playing.”