Jan 2nd 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

Chasetown's manager is plotting the Bluebirds' downfall in the FA Cup, but admits: "I started watching Cardiff City against Sheffield United on DVD. I had to stop. It frightened me to death. Just watching Cardiff City play is scary when we have to play them in a few days. Our only chance is trying to close the gap in quality with sheer hard work and endeavour. We will play our football - we are not cloggers - and make the most of an historic occasion for Chasetown."

Blakemore took a massive gamble yesterday, resting all of his first team players for the BGB Southern League match against Stourport Swifts at the Scholars Ground. They still won 2-1, goals from Danny Smith, who hit Chasetown's winning goal after going on as a substitute against Port Vale, and defender Todd Perry.

Chasetown's decision to field their reserves made it a wasted journey for Cardiff City scout Martin Webster, who gleaned virtually no information which will be of use come this Saturday, though it was the fifth time Cardiff have had Chasetown watched.

"I decided to rest the whole team because we've had a lot of matches," said Blakemore. "I took into account that as non-League players they are likely to have overdone the festivities over Christmas and New Year. Leaving them out against Stourport will keep them fresh. We have nothing to lose against Cardiff City.

"Personally, I hope this is the start of a good relationship between the clubs. Cardiff have been magnificent in everything they have done. They have helped Chasetown with tickets and with stewards. We cannot thank them enough. But we'll also do everything we can to put them out of the FA Cup."

Chasetown have a full schedule over the next few days. They are training at their home stadium this evening and they are to have the FA Cup trophy in the clubhouse. Tomorrow, Chasetown are at nearby Burntwood Leisure Centre for more training and then the squad are off to Wolves' £3m training ground.

Blakemore is an ardent Wolves fan and says: "Dave Jones was my hero for what he achieved as manager at Molineux. Now I am going head-to-head with him in the FA Cup, while Wolves have invited us to train at their facilities. It's remarkable. A dream come true. It's fantastic for Chasetown FC, but we have to make sure we stay focused. Our job is to do everything possible to beat Cardiff City on Saturday."

The FA Cup trophy is back at the Scholars Ground on Friday evening and the Radio Five Live team, including Stan Collymore, are in the clubhouse.

terry.phillips@mediawales.co.uk