GARY Martindale was still playing as a professional the last time Witton Albion contested an FA Cup first round tie.

They lost 2-1 at Telford United in November 1995, while on the same afternoon he helped Peterborough United, then playing in Division Two of the Football League, to a narrow 1-0 win at Exeter City.

He was on the field too when they bowed out following a 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield in the last 32.

In the following season, the striker was part of a Notts County team that took Aston Villa, then a Premier League side, to a replay in the third round at Villa Park.

They went down 3-0.

"That was an experience playing in front of a crowd of 30,000," he said.

And yet the 47-year-old told the Guardian that reaching the competition proper with Witton would rank among his finest achievements.

The assistant manager has spent time this week with Carl Macauley attempting to devise a plan of how to surprise Solihull Moors at Wincham Park on Saturday.

After all, they’ve done it before.

During their time at the Northwich club, they have masterminded upsets against five higher-ranked opponents.

And there is previous too for beating foes ranked two levels higher; a 4-2 win against Boston United in the FA Trophy late in 2016.

“Macca and I have broken a few records together in our time here,” said Martindale.

“To go one step further in the FA Cup, and the potential reward that comes with that – being on the telly or playing against a Football League club – would top all of that.

“It’s a massive game for us, but we’re in the rare position of playing an important match and not being under any pressure.”

Solihull, fifth in the National League, are favourites to progress.

They are one of the highest-ranked opponents Albion could have been paired with in the draw, and will provide more formidable opposition than Spennymoor Town or FC United of Manchester have done in previous rounds.

Martindale agrees it is a fine balance between remaining realistic about the size of his side’s task while at the same time still believing they can prevail.

He added: “These games don’t come around often for clubs at our level, and for some of our lads it will be the biggest game they’ve played in.

“So far, they’ve handled this sort of occasion superbly.

“We expect a tough afternoon, probably harder than the previous two against National League North opposition, and that’s why we were glad to be drawn at home.

"That gives us the best chance of getting through and the lads will be confidence, that's a given."

He is aware too of how long Albion's supporters have had to wait to watch their team reach the next stage.

In short, it's been a while.

“That just makes even me more determined," said Martindale.

“I’d love nothing more than to give that back to the supporters who have been great to us.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 3pm.