A MAN who twice tasted European Cup glory will be plotting Town's FA Cup exit today (Saturday, November 18).

John McGovern brings Ilkeston Town to the County Ground for the first round clash and the biggest game in the little club's history.

The FA Cup was the one trophy which eluded McGovern during his illustrious playing career.

The former Forest legend has only been in charge for a matter of weeks at the Derbyshire club, but he has taken over a team enjoying a healthy league position and a good recent FA Cup record.

Ilkeston are currently lying fifth in the Dr Martens Premier Division, having won half their games to date.

They battled past Shepshed Dynamo, Baldock Town and Hucknall Town to reach the first round proper of the Cup.

McGovern's side bowed out of the FA Trophy after a replay against Altrincham, but with one route to cup glory cut off, the Ilkeston boss does not believe the club will be challenging for a final spot in the more prestigious competition.

He said: "There should only be one winner because they're in the Second Division and we're in the Dr Martens League Premier, but you never know, Lady Luck might just smile on us.

"We might get battered for 90 minutes but end up nicking the winning goal when the ball ricochets off someone's backside."

Ilkeston are handily placed in the league, just seven points behind leaders Crawley Town, but it is cup glory which McGovern's side will be seeking tomorrow.

The club have reached the first round on five previous occasions, but have never faced Second Division opposition before.

Last season, Ilkeston gave a good account of themselves in the competition.

They beat Carlisle United 2-1, before losing to Rushden and Diamonds in a second round replay.

Town's cup run ended at the first time of asking, as they crashed 2-1 at Charlton Athletic.

Whatever the result tomorrow, McGovern's side is expected to be roared on by more than 500 fans. Six coachloads of Ilkeston supporters will be making the long trip down to Wiltshire.

With Town having suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at Peterborough last week, Ilkeston are six-to-one with the bookmakers to pull off a cup shock.

However, their manager is under no illusions that Town are ripe to be beaten.

He said: "The match is a one-off. A nice little treat for the lads.

"They did really well to get through the fourth qualifying round against Hucknall and I've told them to go to Swindon to enjoy the occasion.

"There's no pressure on us because Swindon are expected to win."

Whatever the result, McGovern just asks that his players show 100 per cent commitment and play to their capabilities.

The Ilkeston boss has arrived at the club after managerial spells at Bolton Wanderers, Plymouth Argyle, Woking and Hull City respectively.

Although the Forest glory days now seem a distant memory, McGovern retains a desire to succeed at the top level in football management.

He said: "I would like to bring Ilkeston Town success but I can't deny that I'd like to manage at the top level one day."

A victory at the County Ground today will do his future career prospects no harm at all.