FA Cup Preliminary Round
Louis Axcell is hoping Maltby Main can cause an FA Cup shock by knocking out higher league Carlton Town at Muglet Lane tomorrow afternoon.
In-form Maltby face a huge test as Carlton have enjoyed a steady start in the NPL Division One Midlands.
“(FA Cup games) are always big (games) aren’t they,” Axcell told Non League Yorkshire.
“We’re lucky to get a home draw but it is a tough draw against a really strong side from the Division above.
“I don’t think a free hit is the right phrase because we’ll be going to win the game and we’re confident that if we can be defensively strong then we could get a result.
“Obviously it is a challenge but this is why we are in it.
“It is always big for the clubs because of the prize money involved so for our club it is nice to get a win in the competition.
“We want to keep the run going and keep the positive vibe.
“All in all we’re looking for a strong solid performance and hopefully we can get something from the game but it is going to be tough.”
Asked how much of an upset it would be, he added: “I’m not sure how much of an upset it would be.
“We know Muglet Lane is not the easiest place to come to.
“They clearly are a strong side in the league above so in that sense it would be an upset but it is a good challenge for us which we’ll take on in the best way we can.”
Maltby are the early pace-setters as the occupants of the top spot in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division table.
Main lost at Garforth Town on the opening day but they have responded with impressive wins over Staveley Miners Welfare, Eccleshill United and Athersley Rec.
“We can’t complain with the start,” he said.
“It was disappointing at Garforth and we were sloppy against them and poor by our standards.
“It was maybe the proverbial kick up the back-side we needed and we’ve been excellent since then.
“We have been excellent defensively and we’ve not conceded a goal and we’re creating chances again.
“If you’ve given me winning the first round of the FA Cup and having nine points out of a possible 12 then I would have snapped your hand off at the start of the season.”
Young striker Reggie Waud has grabbed the headlines with five goals in two games but Axcell is keen to place the plaudits on all his players.
“Reg has done quite well but the whole team has done well,” he said.
“Reggie has got them chances because everyone else in the team is working hard and creating them.
“Although he has done really well, it isn’t just on him.
“As a group we have defended really well and created a lot of chances.
“I think it is an all round team effort to be honest.”
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