Sunday`s Emirates FA Cup First Round tie between Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central club Stratford Town and League One side Shrewsbury Town is being screened live on ITV4 at 3pm from the Arden Garages Stadium.
The Bards, who have only been members of the Southern League since 2013 after winning the Midland Alliance (now Midland League), are set to play in the First Round for the first time in their history.
Indeed, Paul Davis` side have already created club history having never been past the Third Qualifying Round stage before this season.
Currently occupying a mid-table spot in the Premier Division Central with five wins and six defeats from their eleven league games played, they began their FA Cup journey back in early September when they came through a tricky First Qualifying Round test at Northern Premier League Division One Midlands side Carlton Town to win 3-1.
Their next opponents were league rivals Nuneaton Borough, who were struggling at the time, and Stratford comfortably eased through 4-0 to set up a Third Qualifying Round tie at home against United Counties League Premier Division North outfit Long Eaton United.
This proved a tough one for the Bards, who eventually edged through by the odd goal in five.
A trip to the Jakemans Stadium to play National League North side Boston United was their reward in the final qualifying stage and they battled to a 1-1 draw to earn a second chance at the Arden Garages Stadium which they won 3-2.
Shrewsbury, managed by Steve Cotterill, who knows all about non-League management from his time taking Cheltenham Town from the Southern League to the Conference Premier and winning the FA Trophy on the way.
He hasn’t lost a First Round match since 1999/00 when Cheltenham were beaten in a replay by Gillingham.
The Shrews have progressed from each of their last five FA Cup ties against non-League opponents since losing 3-1 to Hereford United in 2012/13.
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER