The Bucks have begun the season in fine form in the Northern Premier League – with five wins from their first six matches putting them top of the table.
Witton have been similarly impressive this season – albeit in the rung below – sitting top of the Southern First Division table with four wins from four.
Witton Albion v Buxton FC
The Emirates FA Cup
First Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 3 September 2016
Wincham Park
Winners receive £3000 from prize fund
By Charlie Talbot-Smith
Buxton have not reached the first round of The Cup in more than 50 years and in that time, have often found Albion their nemesis.
Of their five reversals to Albion in this famous old competition, the most recent came in 1990 when they went out after a replay.
But McIntosh is confident that his side can set the record straight this weekend at Wincham Park – not that he is underestimating their opponents.
"The Cup is so important to every club in non-League football," said McIntosh, who has been in charge for the last four years.
"It’s a real opportunity for some good exposure for the club, then of course this is for us and the fans.
"And financially, it can be a big help for the club. We all hope that it could be us.
"Witton is never an easy game, Carl [McCauley] is a good manager so we know all about them.
"They have started really well and are one of the in-form teams in the country at this level so, especially away from home, we are expecting a really tough game.
"I have been one round away from it for the last three years but we have not been quite able to make the first round.
"We have been really trying as a club in this competition, you have got to perform on the day but you also need a bit of luck with the draw and everything else.
"A few home draws can be so important to a cup run, and it would be great to get some more people through the gates at Buxton and make that bit of history."
Emirates FA Cup history
Buxton’s best-ever run in The Emirates FA Cup came in 1952 when they made it all the way to the third round before being knocked out on a replay by Doncaster Rovers.
However, the Bucks have not made the first round proper since the 1962-63 season.
Witton Albion’s best run is to the second round of The Emirates FA Cup, most recently achieved in the 1992-93 campaign.
Did you know?
Buxton manager Martin McIntosh came through the youth ranks at Spurs and made his name as a defender for Hibernian, Huddersfield Town, Stockport County and Rotherham United.
Buxton’s best-ever home attendance was 6,000 who turned out to watch them play Barrow in the first round in the 1961-62 season.
Witton Albion’s was 3940 for their FA Trophy semi-final with Kidderminster Harriers in 1991.
One to watch
Carl McCauley’s Witton Albion side have scored ten and only conceded two goals in their first four league games so clearly have strength all over the park.
But for Buxton, much focus has been on their young new summer recruits after an off-season of much personnel change at the club.
The likes of Nicky Walker, Bradley Grayson and Danny Burns have all caught the eye, but it is former Barnsley midfielder Brad Abbott who stands out from the crowd for the Bucks.
The Prize
A windfall of £3000 awaits the winner of this grudge match as well as a place in the second round qualifying.
