Cup Win Can Help Us In The League - Mark Little

Wednesday, January 14th 2015

Mark Little believes setting up an FA Cup fourth round tie with West Ham United could have a positive effect on Bristol City’s league fortunes.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas struck a goal in each half to see off Doncaster Rovers in last night’s third round replay following a 1-1 draw at the Keepmoat Stadium ten days prior.

It means City’s fixture list continues to expand and could see them having to play catch up on their rivals in weeks to come.

But defender Little insists beating Doncaster, who they still have to play away from home in the league, will help swing the psychological pendulum in favour of Steve Cotterill’s players.

“We needed to rectify our performance from up in Doncaster and I think we did that, so now we can go and play them away from home in the league having set our marker down,” he told Bristol City Player.

“We want to be going up there with confidence having beaten them twice this year and drawn away.

“Putting a bit of doubt in their minds before we get there is even more important.”

The 26-year-old made clear his priority to achieve promotion in his first season in BS3, but admits the City players will relish locking horns with the Hammers, currently seventh in the Premier League, who overcame Everton in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to secure a visit at Ashton Gate.

“It’s fantastic. You couldn’t really have a preference with that – they’re both Premier League teams,” Little continued.

“West Ham in particular are doing really well and it’s a chance for us to judge ourselves against a top-flight side.

“It’s going to be a good game for us, the management, the staff and the fans, but the league is the most important one for me.”

Season card holders can purchase tickets for the upcoming home games with West Ham United and Gillingham now. Click here for further details on priority and pricing.