GARY Martindale has called on Witton Albion’s players to be inspired by their previous triumphs in knockout competitions when they take on Spennymoor Town tomorrow.

He reminded the Guardian that the Northwich side have eliminated plenty of higher-ranked foes since he arrived at the club as Carl Macauley’s number two.

That includes an emphatic FA Cup success against Buxton as well as FA Trophy victories when both Boston United and Kettering Town visited.

Stalybridge Celtic and Chester both needed a second attempt to beat Witton, after being held at Wincham Park, before making progress too.

“On these big occasions we’ve stepped up to the plate,” said Martindale.

“It’s one of the most famous cup competitions there is, and if as a player you can’t motivate yourself to do well in it then football might not be the game for you.”

He knows that Spennymoor, who have risen to fifth in National League North after recording wins in four of their past five games, will provide formidable opposition.

A side managed by Jason Ainsley made it to the first round the season before last, their best run in the FA Cup, before succumbing to MK Dons.

“They have some really good players,” said Martindale.

“And we’ll need to keep an eye on them.

“We’ve an idea of how they’ll play from the preparation we’ve done, and the reports we’ve had fit a profile of them that we expected.

“They’re a strong side, and so far have got themselves into a position from where they can perhaps challenge for promotion again.

“We’ll need every Wittoner that can do to be there willing us on. That can help.”

Witton are unbeaten at home this season after six games in league and cup, and have shut out their guests in four of those.

Martindale is certain they’ll need to call on that defensive discipline, which earned for them a clean-sheet against free-scoring Gainsborough Trinity last weekend, during tomorrow’s game.

He added: “We’ve tried to make Wincham Park a fortress again like it was in the season we were promoted.

“It took until March for somebody to beat us then, and we want it to be a hard place to visit again if we can.”