Reds travel to Northern League Newcastle Benfield after a dismal performance in Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Warrington.
Joint boss Dave Hewson said: “Lee [Andrews] and myself don’t expect a response, we are demanding a response because that performance at Warrington just wasn’t good enough by a long way.
“I said before the game it would be our biggest test of the season so far, so we failed that massively.
“It’s hard enough when a few players are out of sorts but when you have up to ten not at it, then you are in big trouble.
"Although we were a bit better in the second half, we could hardly have been any worse and if Newcastle Benfield had anyone watching, they must have been rubbing their hands in anticipation.”
With £6,00 going to the winners, Saturday’s first qualifying round tie will be strongly targeted by both teams.
“It’s a lot for both clubs to be playing for, and so important for the budgets, and it goes without saying that we both want to win it," said Hewson.
“We have done our homework on the opposition and, like all games in the north east, it will be tough.
"As so often happens, it could be down to who wants it the most so we must go there with the right attitude, determined to make-up for Tuesday."
The only bright spot from the trip to Warrington was that Scott Allison, last season’s top scorer, got the whole second half as he returned to action.
He follows Dan Wordsworth in making it back into the side after a summer hernia operation.
Allison is now likely to start at Newcastle Benfield with current top scorer Jason Walker sitting out the second of his three-game suspension.
“It was great to have Scotty back in the dressing room and he came through his return with no ill effects," said Hewson.
"He almost scored as well, which would have been a quick tonic for him.
"When he got in on goal, it was the right thing to do to try and dink the keeper but he made an excellent save."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here