Micky Mellon leads his men into their toughest test since he took over the Highbury hot-seat fourteen months ago.
During that time, he has led Blue Square North club Fleetwood Town to their highest ever league finish and furthest progress in the FA Cup.
The challenge on Saturday is a visit to Coca-Cola League Two Northampton Town and the chance of a classic FA Cup giant-killing spree.
“The football club is very proud to reach the FA Cup First Round for the second successive season. Nothing’s been achieved yet regarding Saturday’s game but we want to keep the cup story going for as long as possible.”
Mellon has a fully fit squad to select from, including leading striker Adam Warlow who has been out with an ankle and calf injury. New signing Steven Torpey is cup-tied after appearing earlier in the competition for his previous club AFC Telford United.
“Adam played an hour’s reserve football during the week. He’s a bit sore but otherwise fit and available for selection. The team who can achieve a result at Northampton is firmly in my mind. That’s been fine tuned since Thursday’s training session.”
Mellon can boost plenty of experience in his side, including an FA Cup finalist in left-back Alan Wright.
“We have plenty of lads who want to prove themselves against a League team. On the other hand, we have enough experience in the side to go into the game with a level head. The lads have a chance to make history for the football club by being the first to beat a Football League side in the FA Cup. Besides all the cup hype, our players have plenty of motivation to win this game because they are winners who are used to coming out on top of football games.”
