No side should need an incentive to win any FA Cup tie but the draw just announced for the First Qualifying Round gives Whitley Bay and Whickham the prospect of a glamour tie at home to Macclesfield on Saturday 2nd September.
The Silkmen, a former Football League side, were reborn in 2020 with ex Premier League star and TV pundit Robbie Savage as Director of Football.
A huge financial investment has seen the Silkmen make back to back promotions and they are now in the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League. They have huge support with crowds of over 3000 at their two home league games to date.
Before either side can think of that high profile fixture, there's the important matter of tonight's (Tuesday) Preliminary Round Replay at Hillheads, with kick off at 7.30pm. The game must be decided on the night with extra time followed by penalties if necessary.
