FC UNITED of Manchester have billed their FA Cup clash with Northwich Victoria as their biggest to date.

Rebels’ boss Karl Marginson has guided his team to within one win of a first round place, which could secure them a trip to the likes of Leeds United.

“It’s the biggest game in the club’s short history,” he told the Bury Times.

“For any team who has only been going for just over four years to reach the first round proper would be a fantastic achievement.”

Before this season FC United had won only one FA Cup match, a 5-2 win against Trafford back in September 2007.

This term they have seen off Sheffield, North Ferriby United and, in the last round, Stalybridge Celtic following a replay.

It’s earned them £15,000 in prize money.

But Marginson knows that his men, unbeaten in six league and cup matches, face their toughest test yet against opponents in a richer vein of form than that.

“They are going well,” he said of Vics.

“But we showed in beating Stalybridge we have the players who can compete at the level above and it’s up to us to show we can do that consistently.”

Skipper Dave Chadwick, who must pass a late fitness test on a calf injury to face Andy Preece’s men, agrees with his manager.

He said: “If we can beat one team from the level above we can beat another, but we can’t just expect to go there and win.

“We’ve got to work hard but it’s a one-off game and anything can happen. Northwich are a good side but we’re playing well at the moment.”

Newcomer Ludovic Quistin is cup-tied, as is former Witton Albion midfielder David Neville, while Danny Warrender (pelvis) is still short of match fitness.

Vics followers will be familiar with the faces of Carlos Roca and Phil Marsh, both of whom left the Victoria Stadium after underwhelming spells.

They top FC United’s scoring charts this term.

Should tomorrow’s encounter end in a draw then Northwich will head to Bury’s Gigg Lane next Wednesday, October 28, kick off 7.45pm.