DROYLSDEN and Curzon Ashton head into Saturday’s FA Cup final qualifying round ties knowing that victory could see them face Coca-Cola Football League opposition in the first round proper.

The Bloods are at home to Belper Town while Curzon must travel to Hinckley United in the knowledge that victory would see them take their place alongside the 48 League One and League Two clubs in Sunday’s draw, as well as earn £12,500 for winning their match.

Belper, who are lower mid-table in UniBond League Division One South, have reached this stage with victories over Glossop North End, Barwell, Redditch United and Prescot Cables.

Consequently Droylsden boss Dave Pace – who expects to have a fully fit squad bar Jamie McGuire – is taking nothing for granted despite his side being favourites.

He said: "For any club to get to this stage, for whatever reason, you don’t do that by luck so we’ll be dealing with them accordingly and giving them all the respect they deserve.

"We just need to prepare ourselves properly because the form book goes out of the window as Stalybridge Celtic found out the other week."

Curzon must inflict a giantkilling of sorts as they travel to a Hinckley side who lie seventh in Blue Square North and who reached this stage with wins against Solihull Moors and Hitchin Town.

Whatever the outcomes of their respective games, neither side will be able to dwell on them for too long as both are back in action 48 hours later.

Droylsden host Stalybridge Celtic at the Butcher’s Arms on Monday night, while Curzon entertain Clitheroe in Division One North of the UniBond League.

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