AVELEY FC are counting down to what has been described as the club's biggest game for more than 50 years.

This afternoon (Saturday, 14 October) they wll entertain high-flying Football League-chasing National League side Barnet at Parkside with a place in the first round of the FA Cup at stake.

The last time Aveley made the First Round Properwas in the 1970-71 season where they defeated Leytonstone 3-2 away in the Fourth Qualifying Round Replay to set up a tie with Yeovil Town who beat them 1-0.

Barnet, are having an amazing start to their season. When comparing to last seasons National League Champions Wrexham, after 15 league games, Wrexham had 33 points, Barnet currently have 35 after a remarkable comeback away at Dorking Wanderers, coming from 2-0 down at half time, to win it 3-2.

The Bees are a team full of former football league calibre players, with the likes of Ben Coker with over 200 games for Southend and Colchester, Courtney Senior who played for Wimbledon, Wycombe and Colchester United. Midfielder, and captain, Dale Gorman has featured for Leyton Orient and Newport County, along with fellow midfielder Anthony Hartigan who has played for Newport County, Mansfield Town and made over 150 appearances for Wimbledon, the majority coming in League One.

In their forward attacking line they have Nicke Kabamba who signed for Northampton Town, who has also played in League One for Portsmouth, before moves to Colchester United and Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock.

To add to their firepower, the Bees have recently added a player who has played in the English Premier League, Scottish Premier League and Champions League. One time Grays Athletic hero Gary Hooper is the first and only player who has scored in the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, FA Cup, League Cup, Football League Trophy, FA Trophy, Champions League, Europa League, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Premier League!

To say The Millers are the underdogs is an understatement but the Millers have been on a barnstorming run over the past couple of seasons.

Two years ago The Millers were in the Isthmian North and were defeated at home to now Essex Senior League side Barking at Parkside 5-4 on penalties in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. After back to back promotions, Aveley are now in the National South punching above their weight, now taking on the likes of Torquay United and Yeovil Town week in week out, and haven't looked out of place 11 games into the season.