PADIHAM are ready to re-write their history books.

The Storks feature in the FA Cup for the first time in over 50 years as they entertain Northern League Division One leaders Billingham Synthonia in the Preliminary Round.

And manager Steve Wilkes is the man to lead their cup charge.

After an unbeaten start to their North West Counties Division Two campaign, the Storks' chief is relishing the chance to be part of such an historic game at the Arbories.

"It will be nice for the lads, especially going into it on the back of the best performance I've seen since I've been manager," Wilkes said.

"They didn't play the best football at Silsden in midweek. But we went behind for the first time this season early in the game and we were under the cosh a lot of the time.

"But the lads rolled their sleeves up, and we got back into the game.

"I was proud of the way they defended and I would like to think they can get confidence from that."

But the victory, which lifted Padiham back to the top of the table, came at a price as central defenders Micky Charlton (bruised ribs) and Matt Anderton (ankle) picked up injuries which could rule them out of tomorrow's cup showdown.

Daniel Stubberfield, Scott Derbyshire and Ross Barnham are also out.

Wilkes has been on the receiving end of two defeats against Billingham - the first a 7-0 hiding in 1998 followed by a 2-1 loss in 2000, but he is hoping it will be third time lucky.

"It will be a test for us because they are the equivalent of being a division above us," he said.

"But hopefully we can get the game won tomorrow because the last thing we want to do is to have to go there for a replay on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Padiham secretary Alan Smith is hoping locals will be enticed to this special match.

"Out of the 658 teams who have entered what is regarded as the most prestigious cup competition in the world, Padiham is one of those teams," he said.

"This is one of the things that the club has been working towards over the last 15 years."

Admission is usually a maxiumum of £3 but, under FA rules, they must charge £4 for adults and £2 for children.