BASINGSTOKE Town manager Jason Bristow says that his own FA Cup giant-killing exploits have taught him to be wary of Harrow Borough.

The Dragons boss was a member of the Town squad who caused a major upset by knocking Chesterfield out of the competition back in 2006, despite struggling in the league.

On Saturday, Bristow will lead his side into a fourth qualifying round tie against Harrow Borough, with a place in the first round proper up for grabs.

Like Town eight years ago, underdogs Harrow are struggling in the league. They sit 22nd in the Ryman Premier, having lost their last five league outings.

However, they have already won three games in the FA Cup and while Bristow admits that the draw has been kind to his side, he is wary of a Harrow outfit with nothing to lose.

“It’s an opportunity because we are at home to a team in a lower league, but we have been in their shoes before,” he said. “When we beat Chesterfield, we were struggling in the league, but some teams relish cup ties, and that could be the case for Harrow.

“There will be no pressure on them at all and I am sure they will come here and be a real threat. They have got some players who could cause us problems and they like to play football, so it should be an interesting and hopefully an entertaining game.

“We need to treat it in the same way we do any other game. If we do that, we have a good chance. If not, we will have problems because on their day they are a good side.”

Town will go into the game as hot favourites. They sit top of the Vanarama Conference South having won six games in a row for the first time since 2002, and Bristow is hoping for a big crowd at The Soccer AM Stadium.

“The crowds, both home and away have been excellent in recent weeks,” the Town boss said. “I hope that the FA Cup will draw a few more in and we can get lots of people through the gate.

“We have got to make sure that we perform, and if we do that, then hopefully people will come back and help us to continue this run.”

Bristow’s squad has a clean bill of health, and the Town boss could hand a debut to former Reading midfielder James Harper, who signed for the club last night.

However, the hosts will be without striker Manny Williams, who is serving a six-game ban after being sent off for allegedly spitting at an opponent.

Bristow said: “Both Manny and I are adamant that he did not spit at the player, but we are not appealing because it would come down to Manny’s word against the assistant’s. We are never going to win that, so it’s just something we have to accept.

“Manny is devastated but we have to move on. We have five games left without him and it’s a chance for someone else to shine.”