Notts County play host to Alfreton Town in the FA Cup first round on Friday evening looking to build on their efforts in the fourth tier.
At a time when the home side sit in third place in the League Two table, the visitors to Meadow Lane occupy seventh position in the National League North standings.
Match preview
© Imago
After the struggles of the second half of last season, Stuart Maynard has transformed his Notts County squad into one more than capable of promotion.
Just two defeats have been posted in 14 League Two fixtures during 2024-25, one of them by a 1-0 scoreline to current leaders Port Vale.
A total of 26 points have been racked up, most notably shipping just 12 goals during those fixtures to suggest that the foundations have been laid for a finish inside the top three.
In the short term, Maynard's side are on a four-game unbeaten run in the fourth tier, their last two outings at Meadow Lane ending in 1-0 wins over AFC Wimbledon and Harrogate Town.
Notts County are no strangers to reaching the second round of this competition, doing so in four of the last eight years.
Opponents Alfreton are less familiar with this stage, despite pushing Walsall all the way in the second round in 2023-24 when taking them to a replay before losing 1-0 on away territory.
Billy Heath's side have come through three rounds to make it through to the first round, overcoming Spalding United, Biggleswade Town and Spennymoor Town.
That has built on their excellent form at the sixth tier of English football, suffering just one league defeat since going down to Southport on the opening weekend.
Although the second of those may have been posted as recently as October 22, the Reds have now gone nine matches without conceding more than once in the National League North.
Team News
Although this may be perceived as a chance for Maynard to rotate, he may prefer to stick with a familiar Notts County side to maintain momentum.
Kellan Gordon and Jack Hinchy are both options on the flank and in central midfield, while veteran goalkeeper Sam Slocombe can expect an appearance between the sticks.
Meanwhile, Jake Day and Lewis Salmon both scored as substitutes as Alfreton recorded a late 3-1 victory at Rushall Olympic last time out.
If a change is made, Day would likely get the nod as a replacement for David Moyo, who has not scored in the National League North since August.
Barring any fitness issues, the remainder of the side could stay the same as the visitors look to cause a major surprise against opponents just 20 miles down the road.
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Slocombe; Macari, Platt, Bedeau; Tsaroulla, Abbott, Palmer, Gordon; Brown, McGoldrick; Jatta
Alfreton Town possible starting lineup:
Willis; Clackstone, Anson, Hunt, Newall; Lund; Whitehouse, Waldock, Abbey, Fewster; Day
We say: Notts County 3-0 Alfreton Town
With Alfreton boasting a strong defensive record in the sixth tier, there is a chance that Notts County will not have it their own way. Nevertheless, it would come as a surprise if the home side did not run away this one, leading us to predict a comprehensive victory.
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