SPENNYMOOR Town manager Jason Ainsley has warned that their FA cup second qualifying round tie at Witton Albion on Saturday is not a foregone conclusion.

Moors have shot up the National League North table in recent weeks with four wins in their last five matches, but typically Ainsley isn’t getting carried away.

Moors were disappointed to go out at the first hurdle last season to Gainsborough after reaching the first round proper the season before that at MK Dons.

Witton are currently midtable in the EvoStik Premier and are unbeaten at Wincham Park this season, although three of their four home games have been draws. “We have had them watched,” said Ainsley. “They’re a physical side who like to get the ball forward quickly. This will not be an easy game, and our lads must make sure that they’re prepared properly.

“We’re going there in good form, and it’s important that we’re still in the competition at 5pm on Saturday afternoon. We’re going there for to win, but if we have to settle for a replay on Tuesday night at our place, then so be it.”

Prize money in the FA Cup has been doubled in the early rounds by the FA, and Ainsley said; “Winning today is massive for the club, and it’s an opportunity to put something back into the coffers. But we have to remember that Witton have the same incentive, they’ll be trying just as hard and will have nothing to lose.

“It is important that we defend well and not give Witton any encouragement.”

Ainsley will have a full squad to choose from tomorrow afternoon, but he will be missing winger Kevin Hayes, who has gone to EvoStik East side Marske United on a month’s loan.

The former Stockton Town winger has yet to start a game for Moors – although he has appeared as a sub – and Ainsley said: “He’s gone to Marske for a month to get some game time. He hasn’t done anything wrong, it just makes sense to let Marske give him a few games.”

In the other FA Cup matches, Dunston UTS will fancy their chances of advancing against Irlam from the North West Counties League.

Whitley Bay have a tough away game at Altrincham three divisions above them in the National League North, while Consett are at home to Warrington from the EvoStik Premier.

Blyth have a tricky away tie at Nantwich, while South Shields have an attractive home tie against Stockport County.