Mansfield Town

Our team travel to Clarence Park keen to return to winning ways, and move a step closer towards replicating last season’s achievements in the FA Cup.

However, St Albans, who ply their trade in the Calor Southern League and are 63 places below us in the football pyramid, will provide a tough test.

The Saints are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, with strike-duo John Frendo and Mark Nwokeji having found the target on 26 occasions already this term.

“If we think back to last year, the euphoria of the Liverpool game and everything about it, even though we lost, put the football club on the world map,” said Cox.

“We want to replicate that, but to do so we have to go through the same stages as we did last season, which is paying every team that we play, the same respect as Liverpool.

“We want to be on the same field and in the same stadiums [as clubs like Liverpool], but to do that you have to overcome some tough games – and Saturday is a tough game.

“We’re going to have to be mentally strong and overcome a number of obstacles. If we do that, we’ve got a chance of being in the next round.”

Our boss added: “I’ve been where St Albans are. I’ve learned my trade coming up through that level of football and it’s tough. There are some very good players at that level, who have day jobs as well.

“I’ve been to watch St Albans and I was impressed with them. It’ll be a tough game for us, but for me personally, whether it’s the FA Cup or a league game, it doesn’t matter.

“The main thing is that we go there and get back to our mindset – the same mindset, which earlier in the season saw us in the top three of the league – and [doing] what we’re good at.”

In team news, defenders John Dempster and Lee Beevers, along with loan striker James Alabi, are all suspended for Saturday’s encounter.

Meanwhile, striker Ben Hutchinson has joined Martin Riley, Chris Clements and Ryan Tafazolli on the sidelines, with a groin tear suffered in the loss at Southend United last week.