LAST night’s dramatic FA Trophy clash at the Avenue has given Phil Simkin plenty of food for thought ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Kenilworth Road.
A late equaliser from Charlie Clough salvaged the Magpies a replay but they more than held their own in the 2-2 draw and will fancy their chances when they meet Luton again in the FA Cup this weekend.
Simkin told Echosport: “That was their best side last night – they have nothing else to throw at us.
“Obviously it is going to be a bit different up there on Saturday but I thought we did well in difficult conditions and thoroughly deserved the equaliser at the end.
“In fact, I was a bit disappointed that we did not go on and win it because after we got back to 1-1, I couldn’t really see them scoring.
“I was extremely disappointed with the manner of their second goal but the lads kept going and they got their reward, and once again I was very proud of each and every one of them.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s FA Cup second round tie, Simkin added: “To be honest I did not want to play last night’s game and if I had been given the choice I would have said no.
“However, sometimes you can fear the unknown a little too much and now I am glad we played it.
“They are a strong and powerful side, and in Stuart Fleetwood, Scott Rendell and Andre Gray they have three top front men, but even though they scored twice I thought we defended well for most of the game.
“I also think with Ashley Nicholls back from suspension at the weekend, Luton will be in for a surprise in terms of the quality of football we are capable of playing.
“We missed Ash a lot last night and the reason we have played so well at times this season has been down to him.
“He is a Football League player playing in non-League and having him back on Saturday will be a big plus for us and give them something different to think about.”
One negative piece of news for the Magpies is that Richard Logan is cup-tied this weekend.
Simkin said: “Apparently he came on in the FA Cup while playing for Wycombe. It is unfortunate because I thought he had a really good debut last night. I was also impressed with Dan Thompson’s first appearance too. It was only a little cameo but he showed he can be a real handful.”
The FA Trophy replay will take place at Kenilworth Road next Tuesday night with the winners going on to face a trip to Matlock Town in the second round.
Finally, Simkin is currently holding talks with Exeter City about the possibility of extending Jake Gosling’s stay.
The midfielder’s three-month loan expires after Saturday’s game but he could remain at the club for longer on youth loan terms.
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