IAN Long is hoping for an FA Cup run to help put Tividale on the map.

Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division One South title favourites Leek Town are the visitors to the Beeches for a second qualifying round tie.

Tividale were narrowly edged out 2-1 by Leek in the Northern League Division One South on Tuesay night.

Mark Smith had levelled the scores but the Staffordshire side bagged a controversial winner which had a hint of offside.

Carl Edwards got a hat-trick as Tivi thrashed Stafford Rangers 4-0 in the first qualifying round replay last Tuesday to set up a potentially money-spinning run in the competition.

“That was probably our best performance since I’ve been at the club,” said Long. “Let’s hope we can get a bit of cup fever going.

“Attendances are already starting to look a bit better and we are seeing some new faces and a cup run will add to that.

“You only have to look at a team like Chasetown who had two runs in the competition a few years back and were suddenly getting 400 turning up for games.

“That’s what we have to aim for and a cup run would really put this club on the map.”

Long also revealed he may ring the changes in a bit to retain a fresh impetus for both Leek games.

“We can play more than one system - predominantly last year we were 4-4-2 but we have used 4-3-3 and 4-3-2-1 this season and the lads are comfortable with it, so we can retain an element of surprise, especially as we have a 22-strong squad and I may also look to freshen things up for Saturday.”

Long though is hoping there will be no repeat of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Romulus, a performance he described as ‘after the lord mayor’s show’.

“We started brightly for the first 20 minutes Romulus and then it didn’t really happen for us and we lost our way. The 3G pitch wasn’t ideal but I’m not going to make excuses.

“Maybe that is because of the consistency levels of this league, we need to be more consistent and the players are learning that as we go along.

“We don’t get away with things like we did in the Alliance last year and the finishing is more clinical.

“Romulus had only two real chances and took them and by the time Jazz Luckie pulled one back there was not time left to get back into it.

“Leek are everyone’s favourites to win this league even though they lost to leaders Loughborough on Saturday and every manager I have spoken to this season feels they are the best side in the league.” he added.

“It’s quite simply a massive game for us.”