Notts County winger Sam Austin has said the team wants to create a great cup run as they prepare to play Peterborough in the FA Cup second round.
In the first round, The Magpies defeated National League North side Alfreton Town 5-1 at Meadow Lane on November 1, but will now face higher opposition away from home as they travel to League One Peterborough on Saturday (November 30).
Austin, speaking to the media ahead of the game, spoke about what advancing in the cup means to the players.
He said: “It’s about being professional and this week it’s about doing the same but challenging ourselves, believe we can beat higher opposition and have that no fear, go out there, express ourselves, create something the club hasn’t had in a while which is a great cup run.”
Talking about the potential of advancing to the third round and drawing even higher opposition, Austin added: “Looking back it’s that time when you’re watching the TV when the draw’s happening, it’s important that us as players have that in the back of our mind going into Saturday.
“That can give you that extra little bit and spur you on, make you have a good performance and a good win, you use that excitement to carry you forward.”
Austin previously played for Kidderminster Harriers, making 186 appearances for the Carpetmen before joining County in 2022, and it was at Kidderminster that he was part of a historic cup run.
In the 21-22 season, the team got to the fourth round to play Premier League West Ham at home, beating Championship side Reading on the way in a game that Austin scored in, and looked set to complete another upset until a goal in added time from Declan Rice and a goal in extra time added time from Jarrod Bowen sent the Hammers through instead.
“That’s definitely at the forefront of my mind, it was a great experience and I really want that for this club” Austin said, reflecting on the historic run.
“It’s such a special cup, it brings that excitement around the place and it’s a brilliant opportunity for us to use it as a bit of momentum and get a great game in.
“Every player wants to be playing against the best players and that’s the dream, it’s what the FA Cup can bring to you.”
The last time the Magpies got to the third round was the 17-18 season, when they lost to Championship Swansea City and have played Peterborough three times in the cup previously, losing all three times.
They also played the Posh twice in pre-season this year, both times on August 3.
Talking about their opponents, Austin said: “I think it’s a great time to play them because we’ve both had a good amount of games, sort of getting into the flow of things.
“It’s a brilliant chance to fling us forward with some momentum, boost the fans and take that forward into Christmas.”
The game kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday November 30 at the Weston Homes Stadium, Peterborough.
