The Whites are one of 16 sides into this Round for the first time in history. In fact, Widnes are one of two sides in this round yet to win an FA Cup match, progressing to this stage of the competition by virtue of league status rather than cup exploits.

Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey’s side will be buoyed however by an impressive 3-1 Northern Premier League Division One North/West over Droylsden in midweek in which Ben Hodkinson continued his fine start to the season with a brace – his second and third goals in the opening two league games.

Standing in their way are Mossley, who haven’t exited the FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage since 2015, and manager Dave Wild will be looking for early cup success to boost their ambitions of promotion come May.

The Lilywhites have made an unbeaten start to the new league season, following up a 0-0 draw on the opening day at Ossett United with a 2-1 win over Runcorn Linnets in midweek in which Wild’s side recovered from a half-time deficit to pick up all three points.

Mossley have recruited well over the summer, adding Craig Roddan, Ryan Brooke and former Liverpool forward Adam Morgan, who grabbed FA Cup headlines in 2016 with a hat-trick for Curzon Ashton against AFC Wimbledon in front of the BT Sport cameras.

Wild also added former Curzon boss John Flanagan to his coaching staff at Seel Park. During a seven-year stint at the Tameside Stadium, Flanagan guided Curzon to two promotions and left the Nash last November as a mid-table National League North club despite operating on a modest budget.

Widnes will be without defender Danny Shaw who serves a suspension after his sending off in the opening day loss at Ramsbottom, while Sam Heathcote isn’t expected to feature until October at the earliest due to ongoing injury problems.

The Whites have an otherwise fully fit and available squad, with Mike Burke the only other absentee with a calf injury.

£2,890 is the reward for the winners and a place in the hat for the First Qualifying Round draw which is scheduled to be made on Tuesday.