Corby’s latest chapter in the FA Cup with Budwiser continues on Saturday when they take on Rob Smith’s Hednesford in the 3^rd Qualifying Round.

Extra-time goals from Paul Malone and Matt Rhead saw Graham Drury’s outfit finally triumph over rivals Histon at a rain-soaked Steel Park last week to reach the next stage of the competition and earn themselves a tie in Staffordshire.

Drury has previously spoken about his admiration for the FA Cup with Budwiser and his intentions to go beyond last year’s first-round proper exit. He told www.corbytownfc.co.uk: “Before last season it was 43 years ago that Corby reached the first round proper, so it was a long time coming. Now I’ve got a taste for that success and would love to go one better.”

Corby will have to overcome the Evo-Stick Premier side without Paul Mayo, with the defender still suspended following his straight red against Gloucester. Experienced midfielder Andy Burgess is a major doubt, with Sam Ives expected to continue deputising in his absence.

Saturday’s opponents Hednesford have already played twice in the competition this season, negotiating tricky away ties against Redditch United and Carlton Town. Midfielder Chris Clements is enjoying a particularly fruitful run in the FA Cup with Budwiser, netting in both matches.

The Pitman have historically done well in the competition, reaching the first round proper three times in a row in the late ‘90s. Their most famous victory came in front of millions of Match of the Day viewers as they beat Hull City 2-0 at Boothferry Park.

They are currently managed by Rob Smith, who replaced ex-boss Bernard McNally in late September 2010. Experienced in the ways of non-league football, Smith spent four seasons at AFC Telford where he won the Setanta Shield and promotion to the Conference North.

Smith guided the Pitmen to a particularly successful season last year, winning the Southern League Cup and finishing 2^nd place in the Southern Premier Division. The board were so impressed with the team’s performance, they awarded Smith and his assistant Larry Chambers extended contracts for the next two seasons.

Hednesford currently sit 4^th in the Evo-Stick Northern Premier Division, having enjoyed a particularly fruitful start to the current season. They have won nine games out of thirteen, losing just twice along the way.

Free-scoring midfielder Chris Clements is their current top scorer, having netted an impressive seven goals so far this season. Clements was signed in the summer of 2010 after enjoying a fine loan spell for the Pitmen.