Walsall's British Asian defender Netan Sansara insists the Saddlers are out to ruin Stourbridge’s FA Cup fairytale on Saturday.
The 20-year-old left-back, who has been capped by England at under-18 level, knows that the Glassboys will be eyeing a cup upset in the first round with the teams 95 places apart in the football pyramid.
But local boy Sansara insists the League One side are hell bent on ensuring they come out on top against their Southern League Premier Division opponents at the War Memorial Ground.
He said: “People always like to see giant-killing acts in the FA Cup, but we have to make sure that it’s not us.
“It’s a small ground and there should be a good atmosphere around the place. People talk about the magic of the cup and this game is what that’s all about.
Belief
“When you’re the professional club going to a non-league team the only thing that’s important is going there and winning.
“We’ve just got to be professional and make sure we’re in the hat for the next round.”
The 20-year-old believes their 3-2 comeback win at Wycombe on Saturday has given the players extra belief.
Sansara said: “The way we came back on Saturday has given us all a lift. The lads showed a lot of character to come back from 2-0 down and we are going to need that against Stourbridge.”
Sansara is also determined not to lose his starting berth after impressing in back-to-back starts.
Determined
He had previously made just a handful of appearances for the Saddlers since being signed from non-league outfit Darlaston Town in 2008.
However, having started in the 2-1 defeat to high-flying Colchester and the victory at Wycombe, Sansara is determined to retain his place in the side.
He told the club's official website: "It's been frustrating playing in the reserves but now I've got my chance I am not going to let it slip away.
"From a personal point of view, I have been pleased with my own form over the past two games. I want to kick on from here and keep learning."
The FA Cup First Round will see a number of British Asian players in action, including Bradford City, captained by Zesh Rehman, taking on high-flying Notts County and Rikki Bains' Darlington making the long trip south to take on Barnet.
From the Express and Star


