Widnes FC will be one of 21 teams to make their FA Cup debut this weekend as Joey Dunn’s side take on Handsworth Parramore in the Extra Preliminary Round of this season’s competition.

Widnes will enter the most famous domestic cup competition in the world for the very first time at the very first hurdle, 15 years after the Club was initially founded as a junior football club and only five years removed from the launch of the current First Team who began life in the West Cheshire Football League in 2012.

Last season’s Hallmark Security League First Division title-winning campaign was another remarkable achievement in the Club’s relatively short history, with one reward being a maiden entry into the FA Cup.

Widnes will be looking to carry their momentum from last season into their 2017/18 season opener. Dunn’s men won all of their last 14 league games to win the First Division in April and with the bulk of last season’s playing squad remaining at the Club, the Whites will be looking to pick up where they left off.

Worksop-based Handsworth Parramore provide the opposition in Widnes’ debut FA Cup tie, and they will be buoyed by their recent form in the competition.

Handsworth have never lost an Extra Preliminary Round tie since making their own FA Cup debut in 2014. Formed as the result of a merger between Handsworth and Worksop Parramore that same year, James Colliver’s side reached the Third Qualifying Round last season – beating Squires Gate and Burscough along the way – before losing at Lincoln United.

The Ambers had a highly successful league season last term, finishing fourth in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division scoring 127 goals in the process – a record only bettered by Champions and FA Vase finalists Cleethorpes Town.

The reward for the winners of this tie is a trip to Parkgate or Barnton on Saturday 19th August.

Joey Dunn looks ahead...

Manager Joey Dunn recognises the enormity of the game for the Club and expects a tough game against Widnes' Yorkshire-based opponents.

He said: "The lads understand the situation. They know that the Club have never played in the FA Cup before so we know what it means in terms of prestige.

"The FA Cup seems to come earlier and earlier every year but it provides that little bit of romance for every player at every level so we want to do well and would like to go on a little run.

"We've got to make sure that we train well this week and we're keen to get through.

"I'm fortunate to know that Handsworth are no mugs.

"We played them when I was at Runcorn Linnets a few years ago and I know that they've got good financial backing behind them.

"I'm not too sure how they play as a team but the impetus of how they were moving as a Club a few years ago will give an indication that they're a decent side.

"We'll give them the respect that they deserve but we'll play our game and hopefully that will carry us through."