The FA Cup Third Round Proper
Sunderland v Northwich Victoria
Stadium of Light
3pm, Sunday 8 January 2006
Winning clubs receive £40,000




Northwich Victoria manager Steve Burr says his players can put themselves in the shop window as they attempt to cause an FA Cup shock at Sunderland.

The Conference North side will enjoy one of their biggest ever matches at the Stadium of Light on Sunday just six months after the disappointment of being relegated over administrative issues.

Burr is hoping to put all that behind them and claim a fairytale victory at the Premiership strugglers, but is happy for his team to also use the game as an opportunity to improve their own football careers.

"I preach to my players every week that they should not be satisfied or settle with being at a non-league club and that they should always be looking to improve themselves," he said.

"Look at Danny Collins at Sunderland. It is not so long ago that he was playing non-league football at Vauxhall Motors on loan from Chester and he is now in the Premiership."

Northwich beat Woking 2-1 in the last round, with goals from Stuart Elliott (above) and Paul Brayson (below).

They have already beaten Morecambe, Barrow, North Ferriby and Frickley after entering at the Second Qualifying stage, but Vics chairman Mike Connett is giving his own team just a one in five chance of causing one of the biggest ever upsets.

"The Chairman has given us something like a 20 per cent chance," Burr added.

"But the beauty of the FA Cup is that there are always upsets. I believe whether it is us, Burton Albion, Nuneaton or Tamworth, one of us will cause a shock result and it could be us.

"I know it will be difficult. We need Sunderland to be awful and we need to perform with that little bit of FA Cup luck that you need."

For Sunderland, a game against a non-league side in the FA Cup looks like a double-edged sword.

The Black Cats are on the ropes after picking up just six points in the top flight this season, but a win over Northwich could provide the boost in confidence that manager Mick McCarthy has long been looking for.

Sunderland legend Jim Montgomery (pictured), who helped the side win the 1973 FA Cup, knows it will be tough for the current crop to lift the trophy but is backing them to end Northwich's dreams.

"I think it's a good draw for Sunderland," the former goalkeeper said. "If they can get a good win then they might go on a run.

"You have to look at the big teams - Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United - but you never know. If Sunderland can get a few more draws like this then maybe they can do a repeat of 1973."

Stay with TheFA.com for more previews for this weekend's Third Round.