RAMSBOTTOM United have been given a prize draw in the first round of the FA Trophy - a home clash with Stockport County.

The reward for Saturday’s 3-0 win at Banbury is a visit from the former Football League side, who will come to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium a week on Saturday.

MORE TOP STORIES:

With County less than 25 miles down the road, there is a real chance that the attendance for the game could top the club’s record of 1,653, which was set during a league fixture with FC United of Manchester back in 2007.

Joint-manager Anthony Johnson could not hide his delight at the outcome, saying: “I was sat with joint-manager Bernard Morley when I saw who we had got and we’re both buzzing about it. It’s an unbelievable draw.

“If someone offered you a big, local tie at home, you would take Stockport all day long. We’re really looking forward to it.

“Bury, the team I support, were playing against them in a Football League game only three years ago. It’s crazy that I’ll be managing against them.”

In the meantime, the Rams are in Doodson Sport Cup action tonight with trip to Salford City.

After crashing out of the competition at the first hurdle against FC United last season, the Rams ensured a safe passage to round two this season, coming from behind to comfortably see off Burscough with a 5-1 victory in the opening round.

Now they are looking to book themselves a place in the third round at the expense of a side with one of the highest profiles in non-league football.

Salford, with investment from a number of Manchester United’s ‘Class of 92’ and Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, have lofty ambitions and want to be plying their trade in the Championship within 15 years.

But the Ammies must be casting envious glances at how well Ramsbottom have used the momentum from their promotion last season to make the transition to the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Johnson and Morley’s men currently occupy the final play-off place following a terrific start to their first campaign in the seventh tier. The Rams are in excellent form having won their last five games.

City, meanwhile, currently sit second in the Evo-Stik Division One North - just one tier below Rammy - but Phil Power can boast a number of players with Football League experience in his squad, including Danny Webber.

Johnson is refusing to underestimate the Reds.

“It’s another big game for us,” he said.

“Bernard and I both played there so we’re looking forward to going back and seeing old friends.”