SAM Collier can’t wait for the magic of the FA Cup to descend on Barrington Park as his side gear up to face last season’s non-league giantkillers Shortwood United, writes Matt Abbott.

The Nailsworth-based side got to the first round proper of the world’s oldest football tournament last season, beating Conference Premier side Aldershot en-route to a televised tie with League One outfit Port Vale.

They lost 4-0, but Shrivenham player-manager Collier is taking inspiration from that lucrative cup run ahead of tomorrow’s (Saturday) preliminary round clash, he said: “There has to be at least one FA Cup shock somewhere, why can’t it be us?

“It’s going to be a huge task. Shortwood United are a Southern League side and they had a good run last year. I’m sure they will be looking to repeat that.

“So it will be one hell of a challenge but we’ve got nothing to fear.”

Shrivenham have had an indifferent start to their season in the Hellenic Premier League and are yet to win at home.

But Collier added that this game offers a chance to turn things around at Barrington Park.

“It gives us that extra boost having a Southern League side come to us. We’ll back ourselves and have a good go.

“It’s a one off game and we’re the underdogs.

“We’ve struggled with our home form this season. But the pressure is off and this is an opportunity to get something at home - we’ve got to start winning at some point, what better way to start than in the FA Cup?”

Shrivvy will be without midfielder Ryan Wilkinson for the game, which Collier described as a blow, but are at full strength otherwise.

Shortwood sit 13th in the Southern League Division One South and West, having lost two of their three away games.

Shrivvy sit 23 places below them in football pyramid, occupying 13th spot in the Hellenic Premier League.

Collier added: “It’s a big occasion for the club. It would be great to see a few faces there (at Barrington Park), cheering the side on.”