Workington Reds defender Sam Smith believes the recent FA Cup heroics of Blyth Spartans, Salford City and Warrington Town can inspire his side in this season's competition.

Reds travel to Matlock Town tomorrow in the third qualifying round and are just two wins away from the first round proper.

They have already seen off Warrington and Shildon in the cup this season.

The Borough Park outfit returned to winning ways against Grantham last weekend and also saw off Skelmersdale to move within three points of the top five.

Victory against the Derbyshire side would also bring in £7,500 in prize money and a potential tie with a side from the National League, formerly known as the Conference.

Smith said: "You see upsets every year and Blyth, Salford and Warrington have done it and have all been on great runs.

"Even when you're watching the cup on TV, you see teams from League One or League Two get quite far.

"It's great for English football and it shows that there is still positivity in the English game."

Long-term absentees Gari Rowntree and Anthony Wright are unlikely to figure at the weekend.

Reds have scored six goals and conceded just once in the FA Cup this season. They also beat Matlock twice in the league last season.

Smith was an unused substitute during the club's run to the fourth qualifying round three years ago when they lost to Stourbridge.

The left-back added: "It might be a little bit different tomorrow and we've been looking forward to it since we beat Shildon.

"I'm going to say I'm disappointed with the tie because we could have had someone from the National League North or South.

"We know we're more than capable of winning, but we know it's never an easy game.

"Getting back to winning ways certainly helps us."

Kick-off at Causeway Lane is at 3pm.