THEY may have had a terrible start to the season, but Basingstoke Town manager Jason Bristow says his side are “quietly confident” of pulling off an FA Cup shock this weekend.

The Dragons welcome National League outfit Torquay United to The Camrose on Saturday, with a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup up for grabs.

Basingstoke go into the game bottom of the National League South, having failed to win any of their opening 13 league games.

However, they have fared much better in cup competitions, winning all three of the ties they have played so far, and Bristow is excited about Saturday’s game (3pm).

“We are really looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a great fixture for us and we will be trying to win the game and play well.

“Torquay are in the league above us and are a huge club, so it would be a shock if we won, but we are quietly confident that we can cause an upset.

“We are hoping for a big crowd and it’s important that we put on a performance to try and entice them back.”

Town are sweating on the fitness of star striker Chris Flood, who was unable to train on Tuesday night due to a knee injury he picked up in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to visiting Chelmsford City.

Midfielder Simon Dunn will be in contention following a hamstring problem, but Jamie Brown remains sidelined due to a groin injury.

Basingstoke’s poor form has resulted in supporter criticism of Bristow on online forums and social media, but the Town boss remains dedicated to turning things around.

“I am not looking at social media or forums because I need to focus on what I need to do to get things right,” he said.

“If people are being critical then they are right to do that because we have gone 13 games without a win. That is not acceptable.”

Assuming there is a result on Saturday, Town will face another big game at The Camrose on Tuesday night, when Whitehawk, the side who beat them in the play-offs last season, will be the visitors.