Shildon midfielder David Bayles is savouring the feeling of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup.
Shildon produced a giantkilling act by crushing Stocksbridge 6-0 last Saturday to put them through for the first time in 42 years where they will meet Second Division Notts County a week on Sunday.
"When we pulled out Notts County, I think the roof nearly came off the clubhouse," said Bayles. "It's a great draw, much better than we could have got. There were some clubs coming out which we didn't fancy going to, and that might have been anticlimax after we had just won 6-0.
"Notts County have a long tradition and are one of the oldest clubs in the world.
"Regardless of what happens, this will be our cup final, and hopefully there'll be plenty of people from Shildon at Meadow Lane.
"It's fantastic for a small club like us to get this far, it's a shame our late chairman, Bill Aisbitt, won't be there to see it.
"We'll definitely be the underdogs, but we're capable of scoring against any side. There are goals right through the side.
"Garry Barnes can't stop scoring at the moment, and he has the knack of being in the right place at the right time. But a lot of credit must go to the other lads."
Shildon are the first ANL team since Bedlington five years ago to reach the first round proper, and on that occasion, Bedlington produced a real cup upset by beating Colchester at Welfare Park.
Cup tie fever is again gathering momentum in the town as the build up to next Sunday's game begins. Tickets (£15 adults, £10 OAPs and £5 concessions) for coach travel to Notts County will go on sale at Dean Street on Monday night, when the Railwaymen play Guisborough in a First Division game. Club scarves and replica shirts will also be on sale.
County have reduced admission prices on the day. They will only be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, almost half their normal prices. A gate of around 5,000 is expected, so Shildon could make at least another £15,000 on top of the £22,000 prize money they've already won.
Meanwhile, Shildon have been instructed by Nottingham police to provide them with an approximate number of travelling fans. All coach operators running buses are asked to contact him on 01325 316322.
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