Boro boss Graham Westley has called on his players to prove they have what it takes to compete against Football League clubs when they face Port Vale in the FA Cup first round on Saturday. Just 12 teams separate Boro and Micky Adams side in the football

Boro boss Graham Westley has called on his players to prove they have what it takes to compete against Football League clubs when they face Port Vale in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.

Just 12 teams separate Boro and Micky Adams' side in the football pyramid and Westley hopes the clash could provide fans with a glimpse of the future as the club bids for promotion to League Two.

While Boro go into the match as underdogs, Westley and his squad have taken inspiration from last season's Conference winners Burton Albion, who sit above Port Vale in the current standings.

"Port Vale are a mid-table side in League Two but it is a chance for us to prove we can mix it with clubs like them," Westley told The Comet.

"We have seen what Burton have done. They have gone into that league and are above Port Vale - we have to remember what we did to Burton last season."

With Boro just two rounds from the big boys joining the competition, Westley has also dangled the carrot of landing a bigger fish in the latter rounds.

"Port Vale are obviously a big club with big resources but I know that if you beat League Two clubs then you can get massive draws in the FA Cup.

"When I was at Farborough we beat Darlington in the FA Cup third round and went on to play Arsenal in the next round. That's what makes the competition so great.