Sean Shields is adamant complacency won’t be a concern when we host Belper Town on Saturday.
It’s our first game in this season’s Emirates FA Cup as we welcome the BetVictor Northern South-East Division side to Meadow Lane in the fourth qualifying round.
Belper will be desperate to cause an upset but Shields says the players are all switched on and looking to maintain our recent good form.
“Based on training this week, there’s no question of us being complacent,” he said. “There’ll be no apprehension, either.
“We want to replicate what we did against Torquay last time out – attack the game early and give ourselves a platform to build on throughout the remaining minutes.
“I’m not viewing it differently to any league match. It’s a chance to show what we’re capable of as a team and for me to do the same as an individual, and we can make it as comfortable as possible for ourselves by starting quickly.
“The mood is good around the place and we need to continue that this weekend because a cup run is positive for everyone at the club.”
Shields has played the role of underdog in this competition in recent years so he’s no stranger to the emotions Belper will feel when they visit Meadow Lane.
“They’re going to come here and look to impress, both as a team and individually,” said the winger.
“Underdogs want to start quickly and surprise their opponents. It’s an exciting day because you’re playing against a team higher up the leagues and there’s no pressure on you as you’re not expected to win.
“The magic of the FA Cup definitely still exists and that’s why we can’t take Saturday lightly. A cup run would be great so we really want to win at the weekend and go from there.
“I’ve seen a lot of my friends in football get to round four or five and play against big teams but I’ve never had that, so I’d love it to be with Notts - and why not this year?”
Shields has started our last two games and feels he is beginning to show what he is capable of after joining from Ebbsfleet last month.
“I’m slowly getting up to speed and feeling fitter as the weeks go on, and I think there is definitely more to come from me,” he added.
“I showed glimpses of that against Torquay, which I was pleased with, and now I’ve given myself a platform to demonstrate what I'm about.
“I’ve needed this spell in the team from a fitness perspective. Starting a game is different to training and the cameo appearances I’ve made so far, and now I’m looking to kick on.
“I want to win games, get fitter and stronger and start as regularly as possible as the season goes on.”
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