Shildon player-manager Danny Moore says that hard work will be the key to success in their FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Guiseley this afternoon.

The Railwaymen, bidding to become the first Northern League side to reach the first round since they themselves in 2003, head to West Yorkshire with an impeccable away record this season behind them, with nine wins from six league games and three FA cup ties, the last of which was against Banbury United, two divisions higher than them in the last round.

And they will need a repeat of that impeccable form to upset a National League team that is four divisions and 77 places above them in the pyramid.

“This is a different game altogether against a team in the National League that is competing against other teams who are full time,” said Moore, who is in his first full season as manager at Dean Street. “Even though I know a bit about Guiseley and they’ve got players who have got quality and have played a lot higher, this is going to be a completely different test to what we’ve played so far in the competition.

“There are four divisions between us, but we’ve just got to go there, and not be overawed by them. We’ve got a game plan on what we’ve got to do, but it will be important that we stay in the game and not give any silly goals away against opposition like this. It’s about how we go about the game from the first whistle.

“We’ve worked hard on the training pitch in preparing for games this season, and that has put us in good stead when we’ve been playing away from home. When teams have come on to us, we’ve had a good shape. We work hard as a team, and that’s all I can ask really. If we work hard enough, then we have a chance.

“We have some great experienced players to call upon in the team, who have been part of FA Cup and FA Vase runs at other clubs, or who have played in the Conference. I’m sure that they won’t be overawed by the occasion, and they need to spread that experience amongst the whole squad. We’ll need it!

“I watched Guiseley play just after the draw was made, and they’re a very good outfit. They’re very strong, very big, got pace and are very direct. Yes, it will be a tough, tough ask, but you never know.

“The pressure is on Guiseley, we’ve got to go there and do what we’ve done in every away game this season. By no means are we expected to go there and win. On paper, with 77 places between us, nobody gives us a chance, but we’ve upset a few teams this season, why not go one more?”

Moore will be concentrating all his efforts on the field this afternoon, while his assistant, former Hartlepool defender Micky Barron, will be in the technical area.

“I’m happy to leave Micky to it on the touchline. He’s given me the opportunity to play on the field, without worrying about the side. He’s loving being the assistant manager at Shildon, he’s great for the dressing room and he brings a massive wealth of experience, not just to me but also to the lads as well. Hopefully, that might make a difference this afternoon.”

Striker Martyn Coleman is missing because he is cuptied, but otherwise Moore will have a full squad to choose from.

Guiseley are currently third bottom in the table with just one league win all season, and have changed their manager since the start of the season, bringing in former Barrow boss Paul Cox in place of Adam Lockwood.