PRESTON NORTH END VS YEOVIL TOWN
Now as a league team they face Preston North End, former winners of the competition and one associated with figures such as Sir Tom Finney and Bill Shankly, on equal terms as they are both currently level on 22 points in Npower League One only separated by goal difference.
The Glovers will find themselves up against a couple of familiar faces in the form of Preston manager Graham Westley, who they encountered during their non-league days when he was in charge of Farnborough Town.
On the pitch, they will be up against former skipper Paul Huntington who left Huish Park for Deepdale during the close season.
Gary Johnson’s side will also looking to improve on their previous showing at Preston earlier in the season when they were beaten 3-2.
During his first spell as Yeovil manager, Johnson enjoyed a number of good runs in the cup, as he guided the Glovers to the third round in the 2002-03 season where they faced Liverpool in the third round and the fourth round in the 2004-05 campaign where they were beaten by Charlton.
Going into Saturday’s tie, he has received a boost from the news that Irish striker Paddy Madden has extended his loan spell from Carlisle United, but he is still awaiting to hear if the Cumbrians will allow him to play.
BURY VS EXETER CITY
In 2005, Exeter City made national headlines after they famously held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford in the third round.
They then gave a good account of themselves in the replay at St James Park, losing 2-0 to the Red Devils, earning vital revenue from gate receipts and TV coverage, which helped put the club back onto a firmer financial footing.
However, that was the last time that the Grecians have reached the third round of the competition to date and, as they head to Greater Manchester this season to face Bury, they will be looking to improve upon that record.
Recent history does not support Exeter’s cause as they have beaten by the Shakers, who are currently managed by former Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Kevin Blackwell, twice in recent seasons, both times at Gigg Lane.
Their first defeat came in the 2007-08 campaign and the second loss came three years later in the 2010-11 season.
Nevertheless, they have been boosted by the return to full fitness of Alan Gow, a player who will need to on the top of his game to help the Grecians reach the second round.
