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PREVIEW | Notts County (H)


AFC hope to overcome a difficult higher-league opponent in Notts County and reach the next stage of the Notts Senior Cup.


The Bulls were given a bye into the fourth round, eventually being drawn at home to the Magpies for what is anticipated to be an exciting fixture.


Matt Chatfield's side hope to go one better than last year's effort, which saw them knocked out by league rivals Carlton Town in the quarter-finals.


The game kicks off a the Forest Town Arena at 7:45pm.

 

Last Time Out


The Bulls continued to make a turn for the better since the turn of the new year.


Having beaten title hopefuls Staveley in a thrilling contest on the opening game of the decade, AFC came from behind to brush aside another of the chasing pack - this time Hemsworth Miners Welfare.


AFC started the stronger side and for the first half an hour looked the more likely to edge ahead, but the visitors stood strong and eventually forced their way into the lead when debutant striker Layton Swaine volleyed home off the underside of Hugo Warhurst's crossbar on the end of a well-worked set piece.


But it took just four minutes for Matt Chatfield's men to respond, Nicky Darker proving his worth once again when he cleverly flicked Morgan James' long-range free-kick over the out-rushing Jordan Greaves.


The second half was far less pretty in terms of the quality of football on show, but the points were all that mattered to AFC, who were in front for the first time in the game with just seven minutes to go when Grant Ryan nodded Brandon Webster's pinpoint cross beyond Greaves.


Hemsworth's Sam Jones was then shown a second yellow card for simulation, making the Wells' task all the more difficult - AFC held on firm for a second consecutive win.

 

The Opposition


Tuesday evening will be the first time AFC have ever taken on their Nottingham opponents - who are 150 years their senior - in a competitive fixture.


County have adapted relatively well to life in the non-league after taking a shock slip from the EFL last season.


Placed sixth in the National League table, Neal Ardley's side are in with a firm shout for a play-off finish.


With the tie providing opportunities to rotate their squad, the Magpies are expected to field a young side against the Bulls in tonight's fixture.

 

Team News


Whilst Tom Slone is given the all-clear to feature for the Bulls after coming off injured in Saturday's win, strikers Gavin King and Ross Duggan remain out of contention for a place in the squad.

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