Steelbacks aim to apply pressure at Somerset
David Sales is confident the Steelbacks can book their place at a second successive Twenty20 finals day.
Northants take on Somerset at Taunton tonight in what looks a daunting quarter-final clash.
But Sales insists if he and his team-mates can apply pressure early on then the Sabres can be beaten.
"It is probably a good time to play them," Sales said. "We know they are a very good team.
"When a side has (Marcus) Trescothick and (Craig) Kieswetter – who on their day are great players – opening the batting you know you are up against a strong side.
"But if we can get rid of them early on we can really put them on the back foot.
"We have done that so far. Our bowlers have got early wickets and Rob (White) and Chaminda (Vaas) have been playing consistently well at the top of the order in the last couple of games.
"Alex Wakely has done the same and that allows players like me to come in and free our shoulders."
Sales, though, says it is vital his players stick to their planned script in what promises to be a high-pressure match.
"We have a gameplan – whether we bat or bowl first – and we have kept to it pretty well so far," he said.
"We'll prepare properly and we have a good chance of winning down there."
After reaching finals day last year and losing in the semi-final to Sussex, the County will be desperate to get back and make amends.
But Sales also insists they are not getting ahead of themselves.
"We knew we had to win our last three group games to qualify and we did that," he added.
"We now know if we win our next three games we will get the trophy. Obviously our goal is to win tonight and get to finals day.
"But we do have to take one game at a time. Twenty20 is very hit and miss."
Full big match preview in today's Chron...
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Friday 10 February 2012
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