Shildon skipper Danny Key has told his teammates that getting off to a good start will be imperative if they're to have any chance of causing the shock of the round at Notts County on Sunday.

Key, who has been in the first round of the FA Cup before with Darlington and Whitby Town, was suspended for last Saturday's match at Brandon so he went with coach Phil Owers to watch County in action.

Midfielder Key, who started his career as an apprentice at Darlington in the mid-1990s, said:"We must be quick off the blocks against them, because County will start the game fast, just like they did against Hartlepool last Saturday.

"Much depends on how they approach the game. We're five leagues below them, so they may be complacent.

"The first goal will be really important. If it's them, we'll have a lot of hard work to do, if it's us, then they'll be under a lot of pressure.

"But having watched them, I think we have nothing to fear.

"We must go there and make sure we enjoy the occasion."

At 26, Key is one of the most experienced players in the Shildon line up, and he said: "My worry is that one or two of the youngsters might freeze, so it's up to the older players like myself to help them out and encourage them.

This will be the biggest day in their football lives.

"The pitch will certainly suit us, and if we can get the ball wide, then that will help our game.

"Fitness might be a factor. For the first hour or so we'll be playing on adrenalin, and after that is when fitness kicks in. We've been using a fitness coach, so hopefully that will be a help.

"But whatever happens, we must ensure that we have a brilliant day, not only for ourselves, but also for the club and the fans."

Shildon keeper John Jackson has experienced life in the FA Cup way beyond the first round.

Jackson was part of the Middlesbrough squad which lost to Chelsea in the final at Wembley in 1997, although he didn't make the final 16 man squad on the day.

Shildon signed him from Marske during the summer, and manager Ray Gowan has since called him "the best goalkeeper in the Northern League."