IAN Street has insisted his side will not be distracted by the television cameras when they take on West Didsbury in the FA Cup tonight.

1874 Northwich’s clash with their North West Counties League Premier Division rivals is the first tie to be played in this season’s competition, prompting BBC Sport to request a feature for its evening Sportsday programme.

“If anything, it will focus minds,” said Street.

“There’s a buzz in the dressing room already, and now they’ve an extra incentive to perform.

“Playing the game on a Friday under the lights will be better all round – last season the cup ties we played on a Sunday often felt flat, not like proper games.

“We know how important the FA Cup is to the club and the supporters. There’s a financial incentive to progress but, like the FA Vase, it’s a competition we also want to do well in.”

1874 start the contest with back-to-back wins behind them, including a single-goal success at newly-promoted Cammell Laird on Tuesday.

That followed a 2-0 success against Squires Gate last weekend.

Street said: “The lads feel confident, at least that’s the mood in the dressing room.

“The three points we picked up in midweek could prove to be so crucial.

“I said that to the players afterwards; it might not feel like we’re in a title race at such an early stage of the season, but they showed a real desire to win at all costs.

“That’s something to be positive about, particularly as I still feel we can play much better. We improved from Saturday, and that made the difference in a close game against tough opponents.”

He expects West Didsbury, now managed by former Witton Albion midfielder Steve Settle, to raise their game at Barton Stadium.

1874 defeated the Manchester outfit, who recovered from an opening-day reverse against Atherton Collieries by beating Alsager on Tuesday, in both league meetings last term.

“We won’t be thinking too much about that,” said Street.

“I’ve known Steve for a long time; I’ve played in the same side as him, and he’s played under me too. I’d love to see him do well this season, just not in this game!”

Street will be forced to shuffle his pack with defender Danny Thomas unavailable and Aidan Haughton away on holiday.

Matthew Beadle and Ryan Mitchell are both ruled out by injury, though Ryan Stewart is expected to be named as a substitute.

The victor will bank £1,500 in prize money, and have home advantage to look forward to – against either Ashton Athletic or Maltby Main - at the next stage.