Harrogate Town v Hastings United
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Second Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 1 December 2012
Wetherby Road, Harrogate Town AFC
Winning clubs receive £27,000 from The FA's prize fund
Click here for fixtures
By Joe Brewin

They are the Conference North outfit who beat Torquay United against the odds in the First Round Proper - now Harrogate Town face their next test to rub shoulders with football's elite.

Simon Weaver's North Yorkshire side have reached the Second Round of The FA Cup for the very first time and now prepare for battle with an Isthmian League Premier Division Hastings United team also daring to dream.

The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal will all be in the hat for January's Third Round draw, but despite that carrot, Weaver believes this could be the beginning of something even bigger for Harrogate.

"To get a home draw is fantastic because it will mean so much to the people of Harrogate to be able to come to a Second Round game," said the Town manager.

"Both teams will look at it and believe they have a realistic opportunity to get through. They beat Bishop's Stortford in the Conference North and we will have our work cut out.

"The Torquay game does seem like a while ago but now the aim for this club is to lay the foundations for the future. We will look back on that day fondly, but really we want to be at a higher level than we are now. We are looking at that to set the standard for future performances."

Harrogate have steadily climbed the League pyramid since becoming founder members of the Northern Premier League First Division in 1987-88, eventually joining the Conference North seven years ago.

For the club, town and Weaver himself, there is a buzz like no other ahead of their Wetherby Road tie.

"There has been so much activity in and around the club since the draw was made," added the 31-year-old. "The club is on the map because of this run, but what is really special is that the local community is really starting to embrace us.

"When I come into the office there has been a constant flow of people coming to buy tickets, and not just for this game. We are starting to build that excitement and it is great because it is getting people of all ages involved.

"Kids are coming to see us after school in their numbers and talking about their idols. It is the first time there has been so much activity at the club since I was manager, so it is an absolute privilege.

"For me it has been a steep learning curve coming to the club, especially as a young manager, but occasions like this make it all worthwhile. It is such a big game in the club's history and the rewards are superb."