Chasetown v Telford - Match preview

The Bucks make the short trip to Burntwood in Staffordshire, where they face off against Northern One South East outfit Chasetown in the FA Cup second qualifying round.

Gavin Cowan’s men returned to pre-season training from their Covid shutdown a number of months ago and, after several delays and reschedules, the campaign is finally just 24 hours away.

“It’s a strange scenario being the FA Cup, but it’s a competitive game and everyone is chomping at the bit, I’m sure every club across the country is,” Cowan said.

“I speak for me, my staff, the players and whole football club that we can’t wait for tomorrow.

“Friendlies have been invaluable, especially the last four games against supposed superior opposition.

“We had some really good Cup runs when I played against Lincoln and Southend and a great FA Trophy run (as manager).

“We know how exciting and enjoyable runs can be and we want that again. I hold the competition close to my heart.”

The Bucks have been stung by lower-ranked opposition in the competition in the last two seasons, exiting via a home 3-0 defeat to Nantwich Town last term and a reverse at Warrington Town two seasons ago.

Chasetown have some impressive FA Cup pedigree of their own.

The Scholars shot to prominence as giant-killers just over a decade ago as they marched all the way to the third round against Cardiff City.

In doing so they captured the nation’s imagination, becoming the lowest-ranked club to reach the heralded stage.

Nowadays, Chasetown are managed by Mark Swann, who took over in February, and has guided the club to six points from their first three games at step four.

Bucks fans can stream tomorrow’s Cup curtain-raiser on the club’s YouTube channel. The broadcast will begin at 2.55pm and is £5 per stream.