For a club operating at this level, the competition carries a significance that few others can quite match. The prospect of progressing through the qualifying rounds and ultimately reaching the First Round Proper is one that every non-league player grows up dreaming about.

For Parkway, that journey begins in Hampshire.

Karl Curtis’ side head into the tie with plenty of momentum behind them after a strong opening six weeks. A 7-0 victory over Bracknell Town was followed by a draw at Bath City and defeat at Chippenham, before wins over Havant & Waterlooville and Evesham United. Monday’s 2-0 success against Poole Town then completed a Bank Holiday weekend that delivered maximum points from both fixtures.

It has also been a period in which Parkway have demonstrated an ability to win matches in different ways. There has been attacking flair, defensive resilience and, perhaps most importantly, an increasing maturity in how the side manages difficult moments.

The FA Cup, however, has a habit of ignoring form.

Gosport enter Saturday’s tie sitting 13th in the Southern Premier League South after six fixtures. They have won two, drawn one and lost three, with their campaign beginning with defeats against Yate Town and Hanworth Villa before a first point arrived against current league leaders Uxbridge.

Back-to-back victories over Frome Town and Malvern Town followed, although the Boro were beaten 1-0 at Sholing on Bank Holiday Monday.

There has also been a change in the dugout after only two games into the campaign. Gosport confirmed the departure of First Team Manager Simon Lane, with First Team Coach Perry Gough also leaving the club.

Assistant Manager Jermaine McGlashan, assisted by Mick Catlin, has been installed and will continue to take charge for Saturday’s home fixture.