FARSLEY may have a tough FA Cup tie today but manager Neil Parsley believes it is a reward for the players and insists they are in the type of form to be able to cause an upset.

The Throstle Nest club have had an excellent start to the season and the second qualifying-round tie at Conference North outfit Gainsborough Trinity will be their third in the world's oldest and most revered knockout competition this season.

On top of that, the Villagers are third in Evo-Stik League Division One North and looking like serious promotion contenders yet again.

Parsley said: "Today will be a very tough test indeed – but we are looking forward to pitting ourselves against a club from two divisions higher.

"Our cup form has not been good in recent seasons but we have enjoyed two good wins to get to this stage.

Gainsborough are a good club with great facilities and playing surface and we can go there and give it our all.

"If we are still in the draw at 4.45 then that will be fantastic – but if we're not, it won't be for the lack of effort or commitment."

Parsley's men have shown their credentials in the league this term but there was a little blip last Saturday.

Following a 4-3 home defeat to Mossley, they dropped out of the play-off places. But they soon put that behind them with a win at second-placed Droylsden just three days later.

Parsley said: "We have been putting in some good performances and that's why we can go to Gainsborough without any fear.

"Our only hiccup was last Saturday, when we scored to go 3-2 up two minutes from time and then switched off.

"That was out of character for my players but they showed great attitude to bounce back as we did against Droylsden. Given the circumstances, that was an excellent result.

"The attitude and spirit of the lads gave us a platform to build on and I'm sure if we show the same qualities week in week out it will be a decent season for us."