Early demise on cards for cup run ambitions

The glare of the national media and Match of the Day cameras fell on St George's Lane in 2005 when City lost 1-0 to Huddersfield Town in the second round proper.

In the same season, Tamworth went one better, reaching the third round before losing a replay 5-4 on penalties to Stoke City at The Lamb.

They were also one of the non-league flag bearers at the same stage last season when Norwich City ousted them 4-1 live on the BBC.

But by the time Saturday's match is over, or after a possible replay at the Lane on Monday night, one will have fallen at the first hurdle in this year's competition.

City boss Andy Preece said: "One of us is not going to be happy at the end. They have had two great runs - we've had one great and one good run.

"I think we have played 13 games in the FA Cup in the last two seasons, which is an amazing amount of games and great revenue for the club, and it's the same for Tamworth.

"One side's going to be disappointed. I don't think it will be soul destroying for whoever goes out but we both want to win."

The City boss does not have the luxury of making wholesale changes in the wake of last Saturday's 3-1 defeat at 10-man Alfreton.

Midfielder Emeka Nwadike missed training on Tuesday with a tight hamstring, while George Clegg still has stiffness in a knee injury.

Striker Mark Danks' back continues to cause him problems and Preece may be forced to put Graham Ward through the pain barrier despite the midfielder being advised to rest his back for two weeks.

But the manager might be tempted to recall the fit-again Rapinder Gill, on the bench last Saturday, to the back-three.

That would mean switching Ryan Clarke to the right in place of Peter Doran or dropping one of captain Chris Smith, Patrece Liburd or Clarke.

Preece admits he has not made his mind up yet but added: "It depends on which players are available.

"We had done well at the back before Alfreton but it's a decision that will have to be made."