The magic of the FA Cup returns to the Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon as Bideford face South West Peninsula Premier League Champions Bodmin Town in the Preliminary Round.

Having dropped down from the Southern League Premier Division, Bideford now enter the FA Cup one round earlier than in previous seasons. It will mark a quick return to the Sports Ground for Nick Milton and Kyle Moore who both joined Bodmin in the summer. Milton scored a late winner for Bodmin in the Extra Preliminary Round replay against Cheddar to set up the reunion. The initial tie at Priory Park ended in a 2-2 draw before Milton's strike secured a 3-2 win for the Cornish side in the replay in front of a record crowd at Bowdens Park. Since then Bodmin have kicked off their league campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Saltash United last Saturday, followed by a 4-0 win over Callington on Wednesday night.

It will not be the first time Bideford and Bodmin have met in the FA Cup as four years ago they clashed in the 1st Qualifying Round. Sean Downing's 89th minute equaliser salvaged a replay for Bideford in a 2-2 draw at the Sports Ground and Downing again broke Bodmin hearts in the replay scoring the winner in the last minute of extra time to send The Robins through 3-2. The only other meeting since then was a 7-0 pre-season friendly win for Bideford at Priory Park in 2013 with Milton among the goal scorers for The Robins that day.

After securing their first win of the season against Wantage Town, Bideford looked much more confident in the mid-week 4-1 win at Bridgwater Town and will be hoping to carry the momentum into Saturday's cup tie. A good run in the FA Cup is always welcome and is a chance to bring some extra funds into the club.

The winners of Saturday's game will be at home to either AFC Portchester or Mangotsfield United in the 1st Qualifying Round on Saturday 3rd September.

Bodmin Town
Website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bodmintownfootballclub
Twitter: @FCBodminTown