Underdogs Alfreton 'really tough', warns Maynard

No League Two team this season has fewer defeats than the two suffered by Notts County

Notts County manager Stuart Maynard has warned his players about Friday's FA Cup first-round tie against non-league neighbours Alfreton Town and wants them to aim for a third-round tie against Premier League opposition.

The Magpies are third in League Two and host a side who are in the National League North play-off places and have beaten Spalding United, Biggleswade Town and Spennymoor Town to reach the first round.

The teams drew 2-2 when Notts County travelled the 18 miles to Alfreton's Impact Arena for a friendly in July.

"Everyone goes on about the underdog - we've got to make sure our mentality is right," Maynard told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"We know this is going to be a really tough game. We played them in pre-season, so we know a little bit about their players because we've come up against them.

"We've researched them, in the same way we research everyone. I don't want to give too much away but we'll pick a team to be as strong as we can."

Notts County, who won the competition in 1894, are on a four-game unbeaten run in the league, including successive 1-0 wins over AFC Wimbledon and Harrogate Town.

While Alfreton boss Billy Heath believes there is no pressure on his side, Maynard says it is "vital" for County to go beyond the second round for the first time since the 2017-18 season, putting them in with a chance of drawing a Premier League side.

"It brings a good vibe about the place," he said. "It's the best competition in the world.

"We want to go as far as we can and we're really looking forward to it. It's always exciting when the FA Cup comes around - we all sat and watched the draw together.

"This is a competition we really want to go far in. The further you get in it, the bigger the feelgood factor becomes.

"The excitement for the likes of us at Notts, to get to that third round and play a Premier League club, is something you've got to aim toward.

"You need luck and we've got to make sure that we come out the other side."