CARL Macauley has said Witton Albion are capable of playing to a higher standard in one-off games and pointed to past knockout triumphs as proof.

They travel to FC United of Manchester, opponents who sit bottom of National League North, for an FA Cup third qualifying round encounter on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

And they do so buoyed by eliminating Spennymoor Town, fourth in the same division, at the previous stage.

READ: Witton 2-1 Spennymoor: match report

“We’ll raise our game,” said Macauley.

“I think a gap between our league and theirs is a big one, certainly at the top, and to do well consistently at that level would be extremely difficult for us.

“However on a single afternoon you can get there if you keep concentrated.

“We’ve done that a number of times in the past.”

Albion had beaten teams from a higher level on three previous occasions before hosting the Moors a fortnight ago.

They also took Chester to a replay in the FA Trophy when there was a three-tier distance between the teams.

READ: Why Witton are underdogs to be feared

Macauley is conscious that FC United are vulnerable too.

Indeed, the Rebels’ only victory at Broadhurst Park this season was against Colne in the second qualifying round.

“They’re still favourites,” said Witton’s manager.

“There is always a big crowd behind them and they’ll be glad to have home advantage.

“But their confidence is low after a poor start to the season and ours received a big boost when we knocked out Spennymoor.

“We’ll give it everything.”

Witton’s two victories in the FA Cup this season have brought in £15,000 in prize money.

The same sum is on offer as an incentive to win this weekend, when Albion attempt to reach the fourth qualifying round for only the second time since 1996.

READ: FC United v Witton: match preview

Macauley added: “We know the value of a good cup run.

“However for the players it’s an opportunity to test themselves on a bigger stage and perhaps reach the first round.

“That’s what motivates us.”

If Saturday’s game ends in a draw, then a replay follows at Wincham Park on Tuesday.

Albion are provisionally scheduled to host Mickleover Sports in a Northern Premier League fixture that night.