Exeter want to avoid being 'turned over' in FA Cup

Jack Fitzwater wants Exeter to build on two successive wins when they head into the FA Cup

Exeter City defender Jack Fitzwater says the club are determined to avoid becoming the latest side to be knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league opposition as they head to National League side Halifax Town in the first round.

Exeter City have had their own famous cup giant-killings, for example beating Newcastle United in 1981.

They've also been on the other end of history, like losing 1-0 to Northern Premier side Warrington 21 years ago.

Fitzwater told BBC Radio Devon that such highs and low go with the famous competition: "You see it every year, someone gets turned over and you don't want to be the team on the back of the paper saying you've been beaten by a non-league team."

The Grecians are 18th in League One, but head into the tie following their first back-to-back wins of the season and Fitzwater said everyone is in "high spirits".

"It's given us a lot of confidence and belief in the group. Again, winning on Tuesday night [4-3 at home to Arsenal Under-21s in the EFL Trophy] helps creating a winning mentality," he said.

"Hopefully we can go on a winning run now. It's one thing that we've tried to do, but for some reason it hasn't happened."

The 28-year-old was unlucky to miss last season's dramatic fourth round exit on penalties to Premier League side Nottingham Forest through injury.

"I've played in the cup a few times. It's a special day and a special moment for everyone involved. It's a really good competition and one we're really looking forward to," Fitzwater said.

"It's the magic of the FA Cup. It's a great one for fans to go and tick off new grounds up and down the county.

"It's time to go and test ourselves against Halifax and hopefully get through to the next round."

Halifax will 'be up for it'

In the past two seasons, the Grecians have signed two Halifax Town players - Millenic Alli and Andrew Oluwabori - and Fitzwater expects the current crop of players at the National League club will give them a stern test.

"The clubs seem to have a good relationship. Both [players] came in and did well. We're going to have to go there with a gameplan and be ready for a really tough afternoon," he said.

"Hopefully we do the basics well, perform to a level we know we can and we'll be through to the next round."

Halifax are riding high in eighth place in the National League and Fitzwater said they will be "very good" for the match.

"They'll be up for it. We're away from home and we've got to be at our best, and I'm sure if we are we can get through to the next round.

This tie means a 600-mile round-trip for both the team and the fans and Fitzwater says the players are incredibly grateful.

"The fans have been great home and away. It seems that every game we've played has been over six hours away from home," he said.

"We're really thankful for their backing and we hope they have a good afternoon."