THE frightening thought of being knocked out of two competitions in one week by lower league opposition will spur Stockport County on in the FA Cup.

Midfielder Keith Briggs was one of the few who emerged with credit from County's 1-0 defeat to Third Division Carlisle in Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy tie.

And he's determined not to underestimate Ryman League opposition St Albans City when they visit Edgeley Park in the first round of the FA Cup.

"I'm sure they will be a decent side, who will want to come and surprise us," said Briggs.

Top of the league

"They are top of their league and we'll have to work hard to get the win.

"It would be good for us to get to the third round and maybe get a big name then.

"The money would be good for the club and it would give the supporters something to cheer about.

"I don't think we have been playing badly, but we just need to knuckle down and get some results."

Boss Carlton Palmer was furious with his side's lack of commitment at Carlisle on Tuesday night.

"It was a terrible performance and we didn't compete for the first 45 minutes," said Palmer, who reserved his major criticism for strikers Luke Beckett and Ben Burgess.

'Poor'

"They were poor at Oldham and they were poor at Carlisle and that's why I took them off."

Jon Daly and Neil Ross were the replacement strike-force and may be called into action again against St Alabans.

Palmer has been forced into playing injured keeper Lee Jones, as Southampton have refused to let loan keeper Alan Blayney become cup-tied.

Jones, who injured ribs against Oldham, has been training this week, but Palmer was hoping not to have to call on him for another fortnight.

Defender Rob Clare faces three weeks on the sidelines after being stretchered off with a groin strain at Carlisle.

Midfielders Fraser McLachlan and Aaron Lescott are available again after recovering from injuries.

Left winger Martin Pemberton's thigh strain is better, but he is likely to play for the reserves before making his way back into the first team.

KEY OPPONENT: Central midfielder Jon Challinor, who spent the summer in the USA, playing for Kalamazoo Kingdom.

PREDICTION: Stockport County 2 St Albans City 0

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