This round's televised FA Cup game sees Step Four Hednesford host National League side Gateshead at Keys Park
The Pitmen were founded in 1880. Based in Hednesford, Staffordshire, the club had a famous FA Cup run in 1997 that saw them reach the fourth round, eventually losing to Premier League side Middlesbrough. En route to this, they beat Southport, Blackpool and York.
The Staffordshire club are playing at this stage for the first time in five years, and are one of only four clubs that remain having entered at the Extra-Preliminary Round. Their cup campaign began on 3rd August, and including replays, the Pitmen have already played seven ties.
They also won the FA Trophy in 2004.
In 2023, Hednesford were on the brink of financial collapse but was saved by a new ownership group led by Craig and Amanda Gwilt. This takeover has sparked optimism as the club strives to climb up the leagues. The ambition is to return to the National League for the first time since 2001.
They currently sit 15th in the Northern Premier League - West Division, with multiple games in hand owing to their FA Cup run thus far. Their games are averaging 3.38 goals. There are currently 80 league places between the sides, so the hosts will have to be at their best to get anything from this game.
Hednesford will take some solace from the fact that for the second season running, Gateshead have had their coaching staff gutted, with Rob Elliott departing for League One side Crawley Town.
The Head currently sit fourth in the National League, losing 2-1 to Tamworth midweek. Ben Clark will be in temporary charge yet again as the hunt for a new manager continues.
Goals and free-flowing football are synonymous with Gateshead, with the Head scoring 24 goals this season - the second most in the league.
While the double arches of Wembley seem a million miles away for Gateshead (geographically and realistically), they did make a trip to the capital last year, winning the FA Trophy against Solihull Moors.
Gateshead have made it to the first round six times in the last seven seasons.
Their games are averaging 3.15 goals per game.
Gateshead are priced as heavy favourites (1.22) to win this game, with bookies predicting a walkover for the visitors who are three levels ahead of their hosts.
While Gateshead should win, it is hard to judge how the midweek trip to Tamworth, coupled with the departure of Elliot will affect the Head.
However, one thing that is for sure is attacking football. The hosts are averaging two goals a game in the league, also conceding 11 in eight games.
Gateshead have scored 24 goals and conceded 17.
Over 3.0 Goal Line @1.875
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