FC Halifax Town make their first ever appearance in the FA Cup on Saturday when they entertain fellow West Yorkshire outfit Silsden FC at the Shay, kick off 3pm.
The Cobbydalers ply their trade one division below The Shaymen in the North West Counties League where they currently lie in mid table with 2 wins and 2 defeats so far.
The old Halifax club never enjoyed the best of records in this competition but Saturday's home draw gives the new club the opportunity to progress through this preliminary round.Silsden have already had to win a tie to reach this stage and they beat Eccleshill United 4 v 1 at their Cougar Park home in the extra preliminary round in front of 173 spectators with James Tyrrell-Nestor and James Parker This was their first ever FA Cup victory at their home ground which is more associated with the oval shaped ball and home to the Keighley Cougars.
Monday's draw against Durham City at the Shay saw Jim Vince field a patched up team with 5 absentees through injury but the players produced an encouraging performance and they now look to build on that by recording their first victory on home soil.The Town boss has been boosted by the return to training of Adam Morning, Ashley Stott and Ryan Sugden this week which leaves only Tony Barrass and long term absentee Ross Clegg still on the sidelines.
The FA Cup has the added incentive of prize money and Saturday's victors will receive £1500 from the FA pool and should a replay be necessary it will take place at Cougar Park on Wednesday September 3rd.
Town boss Jim Vince told the official site tonight, "I have got quite a few friends and colleagues in the North West Counties and I have spoken to them about Silsden. I have a full résumé of who plays for them and how they play. They are a good North West Counties side but we can't take anything for granted on Saturday. We are one league higher, they will be playing their FA Cup final at the Shay, they'll come to upset us and they have nothing to lose. I would imagine it would be the biggest game of some of their player's careers.It's no disrespect to them, it's up to us and make sure we are right and disciplined, if we are do we will be okay. Anything less will give Silsden a chance."
Admission prices have been reduced for the FA Cup - £8 adults, £5 concessions, £3 12-16 years olds and 11 & under - Free.
For the first time, FA Cup matches involving non-League clubs will be filmed and available to a large audience thanks to a partnership between ITV Local, ITV.com and The Football Association.
Around 12 matches will be selected for filming on each FA Cup weekend during August, September and October.
All FA Cup highlights from early round matches, including Saturday's match between FC Halifax Town and Silsden will be available at www.itvlocal.com/yorkshire
