Many are quick to knock the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, a competition purely for League One and League Two teams.
But while it is easy to take a swipe at the competition, it is the only realistic hope of getting to play at Wembley for a number of lower-league sides.
Many see the competition as a hindrance, but Manager Ian McParland feels a Cup for the Magpies isn't beyond them - as long as it doesn't affect their League form.
"A good Cup run can work alongside a League campaign as well," explained the Notts boss.
"Obviously you have to have a bit of luck with injuries and all the players are kept fit.
"If you get key players injured in the Cup it can work against you, but I certainly believe a Cup run is good as long as it doesn't affect your League form.
"It has been a busy schedule of late for us with two Carling Cup games and the League as well, and we're not even thinking of Wembley to be honest which is at the end of it in this competition.
"I just want to see us go up there and play the game our way. We're treating it as a proper game although people do knock the tournament and it doesn't seem to capture the imagination of people until the latter stages."
While McParland openly admits the League is his main priority - he is taking the game seriously and has urged his squad to stick to their methods of playing the game in the correct manner.
He said: "Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have had a week to work with the players ahead of Saturday's game - but we have a game in front of us and we're looking to win it.
"Wembley is at the end of the road in this competition, although obviously I would take a top seven spot over winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
"We want to go up to Scunthorpe tonight and play the way we have been playing, and hopefully come away with a result.
"We have to keep being repetitive in everything, and I'm pretty sure we will get our rewards in the end."
Rules for the competition stipulate that six members of the starting line-up have to be regulars from the season so far, but McParland may shuffle his pack slightly at Glanford Park.
"It is always at the back of your mind to rest key players," he said.
"The League is my priority and all Managers will say the same, so I know I'm not along in saying that.
"We have to manage the lads and look after them, but also field a team that can go out and compete against Scunthorpe."
Remember you can hear Ian's full and exclusive pre-match interview on Magpie World right now, along with the views of winger Matt Hamshaw ahead of tonight's Johnstone's Paint Trophy fixture.
