Alfreton Town boss Nicky Law eager to put off an FA Cup upset

The Reds entertain League Two’s Newport County after qualifying for the first round following their win over Conference Premier team Gateshead.

But Law knows his side will have to battle even harder to get past the Welshman.

“We need to go out and be at our best that’s for sure, we’ve got it in us, we’re capable of doing it, we’ve got to be ready for an improving Newport side,” said Law.

“They are going to come here and fancy their chances, but there is going to be an upset somewhere so let’s hope it’s here.”

now with football league opposition in the shape of Newport and Law knows that his side will have to battle to get a win.

“The most important thing is trying to get a win on Sunday and that’s not going to be easy, we have to jump that hurdle first.

“They’ve got a new manager who is probably slowly changing the ethos that was in there before he got there.

“They’ll be a lot more physical and fitter and stronger and direct than they have been previously to the way they were when they got in the position they’re in.

“I think they’ve had a steady progression, they had a good win on Saturday at Accrington so they’re definitely going to be up for it.”

Law is also encouraging his players to go out and show the nation what they are capable of.

He added: “Whatever level you are in, I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for players of non-league stature and certainly players at this club.

“League One and Two sides have just come into the competition now, we’ve already played four games and there’s teams like Westfields that have probably played nine games to get here and I don’t think people realise how much of a monumental effort that is.

“I think as a player from the higher levels you just take it for granted, you come into the FA Cup and there’s no qualifying, you come in and you go out.”

If the Reds are to see off Newport on Sunday, Law certainly has a few ideas as to who he would like his side to meet in the second round.

“All the clubs like us will be looking for the best supported club in the competition at the time, so the likes of Sheffield United or maybe Chesterfield even,” he said.

“Chesterfield would be nice as it’s my old club and then there’s obviously Bradford and Oldham who I’d be looking at because I’ve got two sons there so that would be interesting, but the biggest part is getting that win on Sunday.”