It has been 11 seasons since Lincoln United reached the first round proper of the FA Trophy, but as they prepare to take on Stafford Rangers on Saturday, the players will be guided by two men who know exactly what it takes to progress in the competition.
Manager Dave Frecklington and his assistant Sam Wilkinson may currently be tasked with helping the club challenge at the top end of Northern Premier League Division One South, but in previous years they have both starred for the Whites on the pitch.
That included back in the 1998-99 season where Lincoln beat Kidderminster Harriers over two legs to reach the third round of the FA Trophy – a journey then ended by a 5-2 defeat to Bradford Park Avenue.
Stafford Rangers v Lincoln United
FA Trophy
First round qualifying
3pm, Saturday 31 October
Winners receive £2,700 from FA Prize Fund
Since then the club has made the first round on five more occasions, although the last time was in the 2004-2005 season.
They face another tough task on Saturday when they take on a Stafford Rangers side who triumphed 4-1 in their league meeting earlier this season and are riding high at the top of the table.
But Frecklington who, alongside Wilkinson, signed a new three-year contract back in February, insists they will approach the game with confidence.
“It is a game we are relishing. They got one over on us back in August but that was just one game,” he said.
“They are flying in the league at the moment, but we are in good form ourselves with some good performances of late.
“This is my third season in charge at Lincoln and we’ve not really had a good run in the competition, we’ve tended to fall at the first hurdle.
“When I was a player for Lincoln, I remember us beating Kidderminster Harriers. We drew 2-2 with them and then beat them 1-0 in the replay.
“It was a massive occasion and a great result for the club. My assistant coach Sam played as well, I think he actually made his debut in one of the games. I remember the changing room was buzzing afterwards.
“I’ve personally had some good experiences in cup competitions, but I’d love to bring that to Lincoln United. The majority of the players are local lads and it would mean a lot to them to go on a run.”
“We played well against Lincoln earlier in the season but it’s a different game this time around”
Neil Kitching Stafford Rangers manager
According to this season’s form, Stafford Rangers would be favourites on paper, having opened up a sizeable gap at the top of the table.
However, they failed to make it past the Emirates FA Cup preliminary round having lost out to Coleshill and manager Neil Kitching knows they cannot afford to take anything for granted.
“It’s been a great start to the season and we’re in a very strong position,” he said. “The boys have been putting in a number of strong performances and we’ve picked up some good results.
“We played well against Lincoln earlier in the season but it’s a different game this time around. The pressure is off a little bit as we get a break from the league.
“But we’d love to get a result. We got knocked out of the FA Cup back in August, so it would be good to go on a run in the FA Trophy. Cup runs are not something that happens very often for Stafford Rangers unfortunately.
“So it’ll be good for the fans and also the finances of the club if we can. Lincoln will be coming to get a result, or at least take us back to their place, so we will have to make sure we’re on our game.”
