They come head-to-head in the Trophy, in partnership with Carlsberg, on Saturday - eight days after facing each other in the Conference.

The clash is among the top ties in the Third Round of The FA Trophy – the stage when all the Conference giants enter the most prestigious cup competition in non-league football.

Both sides will be hoping for a better result than their Boxing Day encounter, which ended 1-1.

For Exeter City, this is their first campaign in The FA Trophy, having been relegated from the Football League last season.

Graham Turner’s Hereford United were knocked out of the competition at the Third Round last season by the then-holders Yeovil Town.

Also new to The FA Trophy are Shrewsbury Town. They face a tough opening tie against Conference rivals Morecambe, who got as far as the Fourth Round last season.

The Third Round also sees Conference clashes between Chester City and Halifax Town, as well as Burton Albion and Accrington Stanley.

In a repeat of last season’s final, Conference newcomers Tamworth take on Burscough, from the UniBond Premier. As holders, Burscough were given a special exemption to enter the competition at the Third Round.

Darron Gee’s side will be hoping to come out on top this time, having lost 2-1 in the final at Villa Park last May.

Shaun Teale, who led Burscough to victory as player-manager of the Lancashire minnows, will be hoping to guide his new club Northwich Victoria past UniBond Premier outfit Marine and into the next round.

Eleven sides have progressed to this stage from the opening Preliminary Round played back in October.

Folkestone Invicta from the Southern Eastern, face one of the toughest ties having been drawn against Conference outfit Stevenage Borough, losing finalists from two seasons ago.

Steve Claridge’s high-flying Weymouth, from the Southern Premier, are among the dozen sides to have progressed from the First Round and will be away to Isthmian Division One South side Lewes.

Third Round winners winners will each be awarded £4,000, compared to the £1,000 in prize money given at the same stage last season.

In the 35th season of The FA Trophy, the total prize fund has risen from £225,000 to £631,000, demonstrating The FA’s commitment to supporting, developing and investing in this level of the game.

The winners will receive £50,000, compared to the £12,000 awarded to Burscough last season.

Burscough entered The FA Trophy at the First Round last season and won a total of £27,850. The total would increase to £92,800 if they retained the title this season.

More than 14,000 supporters enjoyed last season’s final – regarded as the showpiece finale of the non-league calendar.

For the fourth consecutive season Villa Park has been chosen to host the final which this season will take place on Sunday 23 May 23.

The FA Trophy is sponsored by Carlsberg for the second consecutive season and forms an integral part of their support of football in this country.

As The FA’s partner in men’s football, Carlsberg also sponsor The FA Vase and The FA Sunday Cup, highlighting their commitment to non-league and grassroots football.