Whitley Bay are hoping to reach the last qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in nine years by beating Chorley at Hillheads on Saturday.

Whitley have already pulled off one giantkilling act already by defeating Matlock from the EvoStik Premier, and they’ll have to repeat that performance if they are to defeat Chorley, who are ninth in National League North, and have lost only twice on their travels so far this season.

Manager Paddy Atkinson is hoping that there’ll be a gate approaching 1,000 at the game, as there are no Premiership fixtures scheduled this weekend because of the internationals.

“”It’s going to be a tough game but an enjoyable occasion against a team three divisions above us.

“I’ve set a challenge to the north east supporters to see of we can hit a four figure gate to get behind a local team. Hopefully with Newcastle and Sunderland not playing, they’ll show their support.”

Defender Micky Laws and winger Sam Norris could both return to the Whitley squad.

Chorley manager Matt Jansen, the former Blackburn midfielder, said; “We can’t take anything for granted, it is a tough league over that way. They’ve beaten the likes of Matlock Town and are unbeaten at home. We cannot take them lightly, they will be up for it, it’s a cup final for them and a massive pay day for them.”