Spalding United boss Pat Rayment doesn’t think higher-graded Nantwich Town will relish Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup clash at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (3pm).
Nantwich, who face a long trip down to South Holland from Cheshire, are hot favourites to win the first qualifying round clash having made a strong start to the new Evo-Stik League Premier Division campaign.
They’ve picked up 14 points from eight games, which puts them fourth in the early standings behind only Blyth Spartans, Darlington 1883 and Buxton.
Only one of Nantwich’s four wins has come away from The Weaver Stadium though – and with Spalding traditionally strong at home, the vital ingredients are there for a cup shock.
However, the Tulips haven’t been playing anywhere near their potential in recent weeks. That culminated in a dressing down from boss Rayment following a lacklustre 2-1 win over nine-man Belper Town on Tuesday night.
The Spalding supremo is demanding a better performance from his charges this weekend and does feel his young side have a chance of progressing.
Rayment said: “We’re looking forward to the Nantwich game. It’s an interesting game for us – if we play well.
“We’ve been winning games, but we’re not playing anywhere near well enough.
“Should I be moaning about that? Course I should, because it’s me and I’ll always want more from my team.
“We’ll have a chance, I don’t think they’ll look forward to coming here if I’m honest.”
Spalding will have to do without Charley Sanders, who scored the winner in the win over Belper.
He could be replaced in the squad by Michael Frew, but the striker is facing a battle to be fit after missing the past few games through injury.
Whoever wins will bank £3,000 in prize money. Should the sides draw, they would be forced to replay midweek unless another date could be agreed.
