When you start to say ‘semi-final’ to describe a tie, the prize becomes tangible and assistant boss Glynn Snodin says there will be no extra motivation needed for the players.
The Lilywhites head to Meadow Lane knowing that victory over Shaun Derry’s Notts County will set up a two-legged clash with Walsall for a place at Wembley and so the manager, the staff and the players are looking forward to it.
“We have said from the first round that there is a big prize at the end of this tournament,” said Snods. “You get very few opportunities in your career to play at Wembley and if it’s a competition that you have a chance in, then why not take it?
“We have already played some good sides in the competition and it will be the same at Notts County, but hopefully we can get ourselves into the Northern Final.
“It isn’t going to tire you out, playing three or four extra games and when you are winning matches you don’t feel it.
“If you are bottom of the league and have a lot of injuries it can seem a long season and these games can be an inconvenience, but when things are going well, everyone wants to play.”
Despite all of them the former Leeds man is well aware of the big threat that Tuesday’s opponents pose, having already had one hard-fought draw with them this season – when the Magpies visited Deepdale on the opening game of the season.
“They’ve had a great season,” he continued. “Look at what they’ve done already; Shaun has made them a hard team to beat.
“They are a strong side with some experienced players in the squad and it will be a tough game.
“With Shaun, Greg Abbott and Alan Smith there, they are a competitive outfit and it will be one where we have to be at our best.
“We have discussed the team and the manager will hopefully pick the right team, but everything will be considered before those final selections are made.”
North End progressed to this semi-final clash by defeating Oldham Athletic on penalties at the SportsDirect.com Park, but this time round Simon Grayson’s No.2 is hopeful that the game can be decided within regulation time!
“We want it over and done with in the 90 minutes – those penalties aren’t nice! It can fall on one player and you want it over and done with before that.
“I watched the 10-9 in the stand at Oldham and it was a fantastic night. God bless Stucki, he got up there and stuck the winner in!”
“We have said from the first round that there is a big prize at the end of this tournament,” said Snods. “You get very few opportunities in your career to play at Wembley and if it’s a competition that you have a chance in, then why not take it?
“We have already played some good sides in the competition and it will be the same at Notts County, but hopefully we can get ourselves into the Northern Final.
“It isn’t going to tire you out, playing three or four extra games and when you are winning matches you don’t feel it.
“If you are bottom of the league and have a lot of injuries it can seem a long season and these games can be an inconvenience, but when things are going well, everyone wants to play.”
Despite all of them the former Leeds man is well aware of the big threat that Tuesday’s opponents pose, having already had one hard-fought draw with them this season – when the Magpies visited Deepdale on the opening game of the season.
“They’ve had a great season,” he continued. “Look at what they’ve done already; Shaun has made them a hard team to beat.
“They are a strong side with some experienced players in the squad and it will be a tough game.
“With Shaun, Greg Abbott and Alan Smith there, they are a competitive outfit and it will be one where we have to be at our best.
“We have discussed the team and the manager will hopefully pick the right team, but everything will be considered before those final selections are made.”
North End progressed to this semi-final clash by defeating Oldham Athletic on penalties at the SportsDirect.com Park, but this time round Simon Grayson’s No.2 is hopeful that the game can be decided within regulation time!
“We want it over and done with in the 90 minutes – those penalties aren’t nice! It can fall on one player and you want it over and done with before that.
“I watched the 10-9 in the stand at Oldham and it was a fantastic night. God bless Stucki, he got up there and stuck the winner in!”