IAN Evatt has admitted to being surprised by the quality on show in non-League football, as he prepares his side for this afternoon’s FA Cup tie at Chorley.

This is the first season in which Evatt has been involved in the National League, having spent his entire playing career across the four league divisions.

During his time in charge at Holker Street, the 36-year-old has drastically changed the Bluebirds’ style of play, turning them into a pass-and-move side renowned for dominating the ball during matches.

It has not always brought results thus far, but his players for the most part have adapted well to his methods and Evatt is delighted with the speed in which they’ve done so.

He said: “I’ve been surprised with the quality of some of the players in non-league football and I think my players, more than anyone, have surprised me as well.

“It’s just the way they’ve adapted so quickly to our style of play and how much they’ve taken on board.

“I really want them to go and show everyone else in the country what good players they are and what they’re doing is really good.

“They can do that, obviously, by having a good run in the FA Cup.”

The Bluebirds face a tricky task in trying to make the competition proper, as they’ will be facing a Chorley side who have been National League North alight.

They will be backed in the fourth qualifying round tie by a large travelling contingent at Victory Park, with the Bluebirds Trust bringing four full buses and many more AFC fans making their own journey down to Lancashire.

Evatt said: “There’s going to be a big crowd – the trains are on strike, so we’ve had to make alternative transport arrangements.

“The fans backed us last week and it was impressive for so many of them to get all the way down to Bromley.

“It was just a shame we couldn’t get them the right result. I believe we’re probably going to take 700-800 fans with us on Saturday and hopefully they’ll have something to cheer about.”