Bishop Auckland are hoping that a "massive injury crisis" won't stop them from extending their best ever run in The FA Vase.
At the time of writing, Auckland are without a fit centre-half and are desperately trying to bring somebody in to plug the hole, with four defenders unavailable for their Second Round tie.
Co-Manager David Bayles told TheFA.com: "Unfortunately we have a massive injury crisis where we don't have a fit centre-half, so we're frantically trying to sign another player before the game.
Bishop Auckland v 1874 Northwich
The FA Vase
Second Round Proper
4pm, Sunday 22 November 2014
Heritage Park
Winners receive £1200 from prize fund
"We could have had better preparation if I'm honest; the injuries seem to have hit us at the wrong time."
It may come as a shock that this is Auckland's furthest ever run in The FA Vase, considering they won the tournament under its previous name, the FA Amateur Cup, ten times in their history.
However, Bayles says it's with good reason and explained: "Historically, Bishop have played in the FA Trophy because they've been further up the pyramid and this is the furthest they've ever been in The Vase by all accounts.
"There are other teams in our league that have already tasted a trip to Wembley which we'd certainly snap anyone's hand off for."
Both teams have made successful starts to their respective tier nine league campaigns, with Bishop Auckland sitting sixth in the Northern League Division One and 1874 Northwich fourth in the North West Counties Premier Division.
Despite the injuries that Auckland have, this game is set to be a close affair taking into consideration the 150-mile journey north for 1874 Northwich possibly taking a toll.
Despite the distance between the sides, Bayles revealed: "I have some colleagues who live down in Stoke, so we've had them watched twice already.
"We know that even though they're a relatively new side, they're very strong in every department."
1874 will still be celebrating their second birthday as they head north to Durham having defeated Ashton Town 2-1 in the First Round.
On 15 November 2012, they broke away from Northwich Victoria after the owner was declared bankrupt and the club is now owned by the fans.
