Manager David Holdsworth has studied spy dossiers of his Blue Square North opponents and has carefully prepared his emerging team for the third qualifying round tie.

And he is looking forward to the challenge posed by Alfreton chief Nicky Law, a tough and popular defender when Keith Alexander was in charge at the New Manor Ground.

"There are no easy games in the FA Cup and this is a big one. Alfreton have a wealth of experience to call upon and a manager who knows how to win.

"But we have a young side who are really looking forward to it," said Holdworth. The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.

In previous rounds, Ilkeston have beaten Matlock Town at home and then travelled to Corby and defeated Stewart's and Lloyd's 2-3 in an exciting contest.

Alfreton face the Robins after winning 1-2 at Unibond Division One side Shepshed Dynamo with goals from leading scorer Brian Cusworth and the much-travelled Leo Fortune-West.

Victory at this stage could see Ilkeston drawn against a Blue Square Premier side in the next round, before league clubs enter the fray in the first round proper.

Prize money is also an incentive with winning clubs this weekend receiving £7,500.

- After Ilkeston's narrow league defeat by Guiseley at the weekend, David Holdsworth gave his side seven-and-half points out of ten and paid tribute to the visitors, who are among the favourite to win promotion from the Unibond Premier Division.

"We had a number of chances against a very good side. You have to take your chances and Guiseley took theirs.

"We respect Guiseley and we knew they would counter-attack us in the conditions. They had a chance and scored.

"Now we have to dust ourselves down in the right manner. I am very proud of our young men and although I am very disappointed, it's how you react to defeat.

"You don't go screaming and shouting," said Holdsworth, who also has to plan for the league visit of Bradford Park Avenue next Tuesday, October 14, kick-off 7.45pm.

That game, however, will be postponed should Saturday's FA Cup tie end in a draw, with a replay against Alfreton at the New Manor Ground instead.

Officials were delighted with Saturday's gate of 603, which has not been bettered for more than 18 months.

It was specially impressive because Guiseley brought few fans and Nottingham Forest were at home.

Many of the fans were attracted to the match because of Holdsworth's achievements in hoisting the club to the top of the Unibond Premier pile so soon after taking over the managerial reins in the summer, when he began a massive rebuilding operation.

Only striker Jon Douglas remains of Nigel Jemson's squad, although winger Chris Adam has enjoyed previous stints in an Ilkeston Town shirt. Holdsworth also overhauled fitness training, creating a squad able to compete strongly to the last kick.

- If you can't make it to this Saturday's big FA Cup game, you can keep up with all the action from the Impact Arena via our live text commentary updates on this website.

We will also have action pictures from the game on the website shortly after the final whistle.

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