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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

Neal Ardley cautious despite Notts County's favourable FA Cup draw

Neal Ardley was thrilled to land a home draw in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup - but warned Notts County not to underestimate Belper Town.

The Magpies face the Derbyshire side on October 19 knowing victory will put them in the first round proper when Football League sides enter the competition in November.

Notts will be huge favourites to overcome the Nailers who play in the Northern Premier League Division One South East - three levels below the National League.

It's the same league as Carlton Town, Worksop Town and Ilkeston.

But they are currently on a terrific run of form. They are unbeaten this season and sit eighth in their league, having played at least three games fewer than the teams above them.

Ardley says Notts will treat them with the respect they deserve as he looks to avoid being on the end of shock.

Notts County Manager Neal Ardley. (Dan Westwell)

“It doesn’t matter what round, there is still that magic,” he said.

“You just don’t underestimate anybody and the nicest thing for me was a home draw.

“The moment you go away in the FA Cup it becomes a lot trickier.

“But as we have seen so many times before in League Two sides beating Premier League sides, anything can happen.

“The team we are playing, Belper Town, are in good form. They are 17 games unbeaten and they are behind in their games because of their FA Cup run.

“They are doing a lot of things right.”

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