Curzon Ashton might be expected to be heading to Barwell in confident mood after beating the Leicestershire club 4-1 at the Tameside Stadium last Saturday. John Flanagan stays he expects things to be a lot more difficult at Kirkby Road.
"I think the fact that we beat them convincingly will make things tougher for us. They didn't really have many chances but they were strong physically. I gather the pitch at Barwell has a slope on it and I think they could be a different proposition down there.
"Barwell beat Ilkeston in midweek and I think that demonstrates that it will be different on Saturday because Ilkeston are a decent side," said the Blues boss.
No one really stood out for Flanagan as a star player although he felt centre-forward Sam Brooks, and his replacement Brendan Murphy, were a handful.
Barwell manager Jimmy Ginnelly insists his side go into the game as underdogs, describing Curzon as "undoubtedly the best team we have played this season" adding "they out-footballed us".
He continued: “But we have learned a few things from that defeat. Curzon will be full of confidence and I’m hoping they take us lightly. But if we do beat them it will be an upset.”
Ashton United co-manager Paul Phillips takes a similar stance to Flanagan as the Robins prepare to face Spennymoor. He, too, expects a tough match.
Phillips and partner Steve Halford had the first division north watched at Northwich and have viewed the DVD.
"They beat Scarborough 4-1 the other night so they're no mugs," said Phillips. "They have a lot of experienced lads in the squad and I don't expect the Brewery Field to be a pleasant place to visit.
"If I'm honest I expect it to be a tougher game than the one in the previous round against Salford City. It's never easy against sides from the North East. They're like Liverpool clubs - the players never give up. And with all that experience in the side they won't be overawed."
Spennymoor have won their last four matches convincingly and their manager, Jason Ainsley, said: "We've hit a rich vein of form. I believe we can compete with anyone."
Twenty years ago, Ashton were at the Brewery Field to face the former Spennymoor United with promotion to the NPL premier division at stake. The Robins needed only a point to go up but after leading for long periods, they found themselves overhauled in the dying minutes and lost 2-1.
Ashton have signed former Manchester United defender Ronnie Wallwork. However, the 37-year-old has a lot to do if he wants to win a place. Phillips said: "Ronnie wants to play football but he'll only play if he gets fit. I'm giving him the opportunity and we'll see how it goes."