DROYLSDEN boss Dave Pace is warning the Bloods to guard against complacency in tomorrow’s big FA Cup fourth qualifying-round clash with UniBond division one south minnows Belper at the Butcher’s Arms.

Belper lie 45 places beneath Pace’s Blue Square North promotion hopefuls in the non-League pyramid and so Droylsden are strong favourites to advance to the first-round proper for the second successive season but only the fourth time in their 116-year history.

But Pace needs no reminding how the Bloods came unstuck when faced with a near identical situation against little Harrogate Railway 12 months ago.

He said: “Belper have proved they’re no mugs by battling through four rounds to reach this stage and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.

“We’ve suffered in the Cup too many times over the years to take anyone lightly.

“But the prize for the winners of this tie is potentially massive and, having been given home advantage, we have to make sure that we take it.”

Droylsden will be without midfielder Jamie McGuire, who has a knee injury but Steve Pickford and Matty Tipton are back, having returned from suspension in Monday’s Manchester Premier Cup victory over Irlam.

Meanwhile, Altrincham face will be equally aware of the danger of slipping on a similar banana skin when they make their Cup bow away to UniBond division one north high-fliers Newcastle Blue Star on Sunday (3pm).

Alty have been giant-killers often enough in the past to know just what huge shocks the Cup can produce and will do well to beware Geordie opponents whose 17-goal top scorer is ex-Northwich Victoria front man Paul Brayson.

Mike Marsh will continue in the role of caretaker manager for Northwich Vics at Telford following the sacking of boss Dino Maamria, who spent nearly a month on gardening leave.

Also appearing at the final qualification stage for the first time are Curzon Ashton, banking £16,500 prize money for their tie at Blue Square North big guns Hinckley.

Curzon have banked £16,500 in prize money from their four Cup victories to date and, with a further £12,500 on offer to all tomorrow’s winners plus the chance to go into the hat with the likes of Leeds United and Leicester City.

Elsewhere, Stalybridge seek to pep their Blue Square North promotion challenge at home to with victory over visiting Stafford, while struggling Hyde face a crucial basement battle at Hucknall.

Key local action in the UniBond premier sees Ashton United hosting Worksop and Leigh at Witton.