Shildon manager Gary Forrest says that the Railwaymen must defend well if they are to progress against Stalybridge from the Conference North in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Shildon are currently eighth in the ENL around 60 places below Stalybridge, but their defending against West Auckland last Saturday fell short, and Forrest knows that they can’t afford a repeat defensive performance.

“It will obviously be a very difficult game, they are full time so will be that bit fitter and sharper than us so we will need to make the pitch as small as possible and condense the space to stop them from playing,” he said. “We are going to have to defend very well and take the few chances that may come our way. Once again the pressure is on them, a full time team playing three levels higher than us should be beating a Northern League team but it's FA Cup football and anything can happen.”

The clubs have met in the FA Cup before, way back in 1937 when Shildon, who were then reigning Northern League champions, won 4-2.

Forrest has few injury worries, and he could put new keeper Kyle Hayes, signed from Spennymoor, in goal.

Newcastle Benfield have a tough away game, at Buxton who are top of the EvoStik Premier, two divisions above.

Benfield are in a good frame of mind after beating Newton Aycliffe 3-0 in the league in midweek, and manager Neil Saxton says: “We are well-prepared and hopeful of causing an FA Cup shock. The lads are really looking forward to the game.”

Saxton’s father Bobby, the former Sunderland manager, has been to watch the Derbyshire team in action.

Defender Andrew Leeson and midfielder Gary Day are both missing because of injury.

Blyth are at Skelmersdale, who are 17 places higher than them in the Evo-Stik Premier.