HIS side may be battling against relegation in League Two but Newport County AFC manager John Sheridan insists there will be 100 per cent focus on progress in the FA Cup this week.

County have a dismal record in the world’s oldest cup competition – only making it past the first round stage once since 1986 and enduring a series of upsets since then.

And Sheridan says opponents Brackley Town and the BBC may be expecting another shock on Sunday afternoon but he’s hoping to disappoint them both.

The first round tie is one of eight selected by BBC to feature in their special Final Score show with the goals being shown shortly after they go in at Brackley’s St James Park ground.

Sheridan says his side will respect the Conference North outfit but he wants to give the County fans some cup cheer after decades of disappointment.

“The BBC are probably expecting an upset and there are going to be upsets somewhere,” said the Exiles boss.

“They’re probably looking at us not doing great in our division and a non-league team being at home but we’ll prepare properly and give them the full respect they deserve.

“We’ll treat the game very seriously because we want to be in the next round.

“I’ve had them watched and I’ll pick a full strength team – we’re going there to win the game.

“We’re not going win the FA Cup but there’s always the chance that you can make a few quid and that’s what we’ll be aiming for.

“We know the importance of it financially and we want to get as far as we can.

“It’s about that dream for the players of hopefully getting through the early rounds and maybe getting one of the big teams.”

Loan players Janoi Donacien, Scot Bennett and Zak Ansah have all been cleared to play and Sheridan is also hopeful that Cardiff City will allow Jazzi Barnum-Bobb and Tommy O’Sullivan to feature.

“It’s a tricky game,” he added. “No disrespect to Brackley – we could have had a lot tougher – but I’m expecting a really tough game.

“I’ve been involved in the FA Cup for a long time and going to non-league grounds is always tough.

“It’s a big game for Brackley and they will fancy their chances. They’ll look at our league position and they’ll fancy their chances, and so they should.

“They will want to pull off a surprise but hopefully we’re not the ones to be knocked out by a non-league club and we’ll get to the next round.”

County made the FA Cup second round in 2013/14 and 1986/87. Their last third round appearance came in January 1986 when Bobby Smith’s side lost 2-0 at second division Sunderland.