Notts County hope to avoid FA Cup upset against Belper Town

National League side Notts County will hope to avoid an Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round upset against Belper Town at Meadow Lane.

County will be desperate to avoid an early exit from the prestigious competition.

The Magpies have not competed in the Qualifying Rounds of the FA Cup since 1888-89 due to their historic status of having been the oldest Football League club.

However, their relegation last term means they will have to navigate past an in-form Belper Town side to reach the ‘Proper’ Rounds.

County have not failed to feature in the First Round in any of their previous 133 FA Cup campaigns; so a defeat will be the ultimate upset for the National League outfit.

Victory for Belper Town at Meadow Lane will make history for the Derbyshire club.

The Nailers have never progressed beyond the Fourth Qualifying Round, reaching this stage of the competition for the fifth time in 54 attempts.

Plying their trade in the Northern Premier League Division One South East, the Nailers will be backed by a tremendous away support.

Around 1,500 supporters are expected to make the short trip to Meadow Lane to back the lowly non-league outfit.

Should a replay be required, Belper Town will host Notts at the Raygar Stadium on Tuesday, October 22 with a 7.45 pm kick-off.

Team News

Regan Booty (back) could feature after training on Thursday after having a stiff back but a late call is likely.

Damien McCrory has also returned ahead of the Cup tie.

County boss Neal Ardley denied any talk of making wholesale changes though.

From the dug-outs

Speaking ahead of the Cup tie, Ardley said:

“Every year there is a story so I’m hoping we’re not on the wrong end of it in these early rounds.

“At this point it’s about getting through. If you go a couple of stages further and the big names are coming into the draw, that’s when the excitement can start.”

The Magpies boss reiterated that his side will not head into the tie thinking it will be an easy result:

“They were unbeaten in 17 prior to last week, so they must be doing something right, and they carry threats and will get an extra 20 per cent out of their players on Saturday.

“We have to perform well and will be treating this game like any other – going out there to put in a good display and earn a result.”

Coverage

We’ll have a live blog underway from 2 pm so make sure to tune in to keep up-to-date with all the goings-on at Meadow Lane.