KEITH Rowland insists Aveley have nothing to fear when they do battle with Notts County in the FA Trophy quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Millers are enjoying their best ever run in the competition and heading to Meadow Lane to take on National League heavyweights Notts County, who are the oldest professional association football club in the world.

While Aveley will be the underdogs to progress to the semi-finals, the Isthmian North outfit have overcome many hurdles to reach this stage and boss Rowland has belief in his players.

“I have a good group of players at the football club,” said Rowland.

“We’re at this stage after beating some big sides - Chelmsford City are two leagues above us and a full-time team.

“My lads may lack in fitness when you compare them to Notts County, but they will make up for that in endeavour.

“We will give Notts County the utmost respect, but it’s a one-off game which is a really big plus point.

“We have nothing to fear because we are massive underdogs and the pressure is on them.

“Notts County are a historic football club playing in the National League, so we know we can’t be foolish enough to think we can go toe-to-toe with them throughout.

“We will have to be patient and have a good shape if we want to cause an upset.”

While Aveley have already made history in the competition this term, Rowland insists he will not allow the occasion to get the better of his players.

“You play football for these games and if my players are going to get overawed by the occasion, they will be foolish,” added Rowland.

“I will make sure the players are fully prepared for what is a massive game for the football club.

“It’s important the players enjoy it and leave everything on the pitch.

“When you consider our average gate is less than 300 for home games in the league and we are taking 400 or 500 people to Notts County, it’s fantastic.

“We have three coachloads of supporters going at the moment and there could end up being a fourth coach.

“There is a real buzz around the football club and we are on a fantastic journey in this competition.”

Rowland feels the Millers have come a long way since he took charge in August.

“The most important round was against East Grinstead Town in the preliminary stages,” admitted Rowland.

“Everyone around the place was really low after going out of the FA Cup before I took over.

“I felt a bit of pressure to get us through in the FA Trophy, but it’s been a great journey since then.

“We have taken on all types of teams and we haven’t needed to be lucky once.”

Aveley’s historic clash will get underway at 12.30pm.