Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley wants an instant reaction from his players when they face Barwell in the first round of the Buildbase FA Trophy at the Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon.

Moors produced one of their worst performances of the season in midweek when they were beaten 3-1 at home by Stockport County, and Ainsley is adamant that he doesn’t want a repeat as Moors aim for a good run in the national competition.

“It was an awful performance on Tuesday night, a big let-down,” said Ainsley.

“The players know that they didn’t play well and they weren’t up to their usual standards. It wasn’t as if they were passed off the park, it was the fact that nearly everyone was off form.

“Usually, you can get away with one or two being below their best, but on Tuesday night I would say that all eleven were below their best.

“It’s certainly given me food for thought for today’s game, because players who were on the bench the other night will be knocking on my door for a game. I want this to be a bounceback game.”

Moors started their Trophy campaign with an 8-2 thrashing of EvoStik Premier club Halesowen in the last round, and Ainsley thinks that Barwell will produce a much stiffer challenge.

“Barwell are in the same league, but we think that they’re a much better team. We’ve had them watched and done our homework.

“We could have had a much worse draw – we must make our home advantage count today.

Midfielder Jamie Chandler will return to the squad after injury, but defender Rob Atkinson is missing.

Barwell are currently 16th in the EvoStik South, having won five of their 17 league matches. They have beaten Coalville, Stamford and St Neots to reach this stage.

In the EvoStik League, South Shields are at home to Stalybridge, and Whitby host Matlock. Whitby striker Junior Mondal has joined Forest Green after a successful trial.

In the EvoStik League East, Marske, who are unbeaten at home for over a year, are at home to Frickley, while Morpeth go to Brighouse.