Shildon manager Gary Forrest is hoping that his side can pull off one of the shocks of the FA Cup third qualifying round when the Railwaymen go to Workington today.

Shildon are hoping to go one better than West Auckland in the previous round, when West led the Conference North side until the closing stages, and Forrest, who will make a mad dash across to the west coast from Newcastle Airport just hours before the game, said: “We’ve got a run down of Workington from West Auckland, and I genuinely believe that we’ve got a chance of winning.

“I feel that we’re equipped to deal with Workington, even though they’re higher than us in the national system.”

The Railwaymen, who will have a big following at Borough Park, will give fitness tests to defender Phil Brumwell and striker Steve Johnson before the game.

Two other Northern League clubs fearlessly tackle clubs from the Conference North.

Whitley Bay travel to Guiseley, who defeated them in the competition last season, and manager Ian Chandler will probably choose from a full squad, with his only big decision on who to play in goal, either Terry Burke or Karl Hayes. Midfielder Lee Kerr is suffering from flu, but is expected to be fit.

Chandler, whose side has already beaten two Evostik League clubs to get this far, said: “We know that they’re a good strong side, but we’ve also got our matchwinners.”

Ashington are at home to Droylsden, who beat Darlington in the first round two seasons ago. Ashington manager Gary Middleton has several injuries to contend with, but says: “It will be a very difficult tie considering they are from the Conference North but a challenge that we will give our best shot. We will be the underdogs which is fine as we have everything to gain and nothing to lose. We would like to go into the game with more players available but that’s part and parcel of football.”

Norton face opponents from the EvoStik League Premier Division, FC United of Manchester, with the visitors expected to bring a large following.

Norton will be without their former Darlington midfielder Nathan Mulligan, but Shaun Clarke returns to the team in centre midfield. Defender James Alderson will have a late fitness test.

Manager Conrad Hillerby said: “They’re the favourites, but we’ve got nothing to lose. We must make sure that we start the game well.”