Republic of Mancunia 1st boss Les Blackston has labelled Sunday’s Peter Morrison clash with Manchester Maccabi 1st as ‘David against Goliath’.
Cup holders Maccabi are strongly fancied to make the later stages of the competition despite enduring an inconsistent league campaign.
Stuart Delmonte and Tony Rosenberg’s side currently sit seventh in Division One of the Tameside League with just two wins from seven games.
But Blackston knows Maccabi will present an almighty challenge for his players and says his team will start the game as firm underdogs.
“This really is a David and Goliath clash because Maccabi are head and shoulders above everyone else,” he said.
“They’re a really good side, but this is football and you never know what’s going to happen.
“We’ve got a very good young team, who are getting more consistent each week and are willing to give it a real go.”
Republic, who parted company with former manager Stuart Shapiro earlier in the season, have improved in recent months under Blackston’s leadership.
But last weekend’s results in the MJSL leaves them in mid-table without a chance of catching runaway leaders Haroldeans.
And Blackston admits his side have only pride to play for in the remainder of the league campaign.
He added: “We’ve given ourselves to much to do even though there are a lot of games to go.
“Good luck to Haroldeans. They’ve had a great start and they deserve all the credit they get.”