Notts County will have to be at their best if they are to book an FA Cup with Budweiser third round trip to Aldershot Town, says Keith Curle.
The Magpies were disappointed with the second half performance in the weekend’s npower League 1 clash with promotion rivals Brentford.
Curle is looking for a better display from his side, as he feels that Tuesday night’s opponents, League 2 high-flyers Rotherham United, will fancy their chances at Meadow Lane.
He told the press: “The obvious thing is that they’re going to look at our home record and realise that it’s not what we want it to be.
“They’ll feel confident and buoyant by our recent home results, so hopefully they’ll come out and think there’s a game here to be had.
“We know there will be interest in it and we’re mindful that we don’t want to be the upset of the competition.
“The important thing for us is how we respond to the weekend’s result and, let me tell you, we’re ready for a fight.”
Curle sees the game as an exciting one for his team, because another lower league side await in the next stage of the tournament, meaning that the Magpies have every chance of reaching the fourth round.
Having witnessed Bradford City’s progression to the semi-final of the Capital One Cup, the manager feels there is every reason for optimism in domestic competitions.
“If you go on a little cup run, it can be fantastic for you, just look at Bradford and where they are now,” he continued.
“Who’d have thought in the Capital One Cup when it started at Meadow Lane with them getting an extra time winner, that it would lead them to where they are now.
“You’ll be surprised where a replay match with Rotherham - it might go to extra time or penalties - but who knows where it can lead to.
“With the immediate fixture being Aldershot, who knows after that.”
To view the full pre-match press conference, sign in to Magpie Player.
Coverage will also be available in the Nottingham Post and on BBC Radio Nottingham’s pre-match show.
Tickets for this game start at £5. To purchase yours, visit www.nottscountydirect.co.uk.