Crawley Town boss John Yems on disappointment that comes with 'free punch' against Leeds United in the FA Cup

FREE PUNCH - Crawley Town boss John Yems says the FA Cup tie with Leeds United will be one to enjoy, but admits his disappointment at having to play it behind closed doors. Pic: Getty

Leeds United's FA Cup visit to Crawley Town will be an occasion for John Yems and his players can't help but enjoy, yet the Red Devils boss does have one regret over the Red Devils' plum tie.

The League Two side, flying high thanks to a nine-game unbeaten streak, are in the midst of their final preparations for a third round clash his players are relishing.

A Premier League side, at home, in the FA Cup is a day to savour and Yems has previously called it the biggest home game in Crawley Town history.

That it will take place without fans is the one big draw back.

"The lads are all looking forward to it," he said.

"It’s a shame people can’t be there to watch it, that’s the disappointing thing. As a football club, you have a team like Leeds visiting to play you, it’s a great way to test yourself. We’ll just have to see how we go. But you can’t but not enjoy it?"

Yems has reiterated the message from his striker Ashley Nadesan that Leeds should be wary of the EFL side, because this game is a 'free punch' for them.

"If I was in their position I would take it seriously," he said.

"But you can only play the shirts in front of you, no matter who they are. It’s the same pitch, it’s the same goals, the same everything else. We will just play the shirts they put in front of us.

"We are doing well, we have to look at it as we are nine unbeaten. But cup games are a free punch. There’s no points involved, it’s a one off so let’s enjoy it."