The Bulls take on Alfreton this Saturday (3pm) at Edgar Street in the first competitive meeting between the two sides. The winners will go into the 5.10pm First Round draw on Saturday as number 61.
The Bulls, currently unbeaten in five games at home, have failed to make the First Round proper only twice in eight Conference seasons so far, despatching five league sides during that time. Bulls fans will be encouraged by the first appearance for three weeks of Guy Ipoua in Tuesday's LDV win at Mansfield, and also the solid display of Andy Williams in his first starting spot.
Alfreton lie 18th in the Conference North with 10 points from 11 games, and drew on Tuesday night 1-1 with Leigh RMI, finishing the game with 10 men with Mick Godber being dismissed for violent conduct. Godber will be available for Saturday's match as the 14 day rule for suspensions to begin still applies at Conference North level. Two players have Bulls connections - the most obvious being ex-Bull, and son of the gaffer, Mark Turner, while goalkeeper Greg Smith played for Hucknall when they beat the Bulls in the FA Trophy last season. Jon Stevenson is the main goal threat this season with seven in 13 games but the Bulls must also be wary of veteran striker Peter Duffield, top scorer last season with 29 goals, and Godber, who scored 33 goals in his first season with Alfreton. Alfreton have beaten St Helens Town and Whitby Town to get to this stage of the FA Cup.