Click here to listen to Aiden Palmer’s take on this Saturday’s big match.

Glenn Pennyfather has challenged his City players to “rise to the occasion” as they take to the field for an enormous FA Cup First Round match against AFC Telford United (3:00pm kick-off at Melbourne), and he says the extra media attention will add to their desire for victory.

The Clarets have made it through all their qualifying games for the second season running and Pennyfather admits that anything achieved from this point is a bonus. But, with the likes of The Sun newspaper and cameras from ITV in the main stand watching their every move, he will tell his squad that the opportunity they have in front of them is still a rare chance to gain national exposure.

“There’s an incentive there for both clubs to get through and then either City or Telford will potentially be just 90 minutes from a match against a Premier League club in Round Three,” explained the Chelmsford boss. “It goes without saying how massive that is. It’s a winnable game, but a tough game as they’re from the division above. They’ve not found life easy since promotion but they’ll be well drilled.”

City have so far emerged past fellow Blue Square Bet South club Tonbridge Angels (3-0), Lowestoft Town from the Ryman Premier (5-2) and Gloucester City from the Blue Square Bet North (1-1 then 1-0) but this is the first time they’ve come up against a side from above them in the pyramid. Telford play in the Conference National after their play-off promotion last season and Andy Sinton’s side will be a real test.

The Bucks thrashed Gainsborough Trinity 5-0 in the last round, though in the league they’re without a win since September. City themselves were disappointed to draw 0-0 with Dorchester Town on Monday night, but Glenn claimed: “There may be elements of that left in the players but I said what I had to say on the night. That’s done and dusted now. We’ve drawn a line - now it’s time to move on.”

Several players face fitness tests ahead of the big game, including right-back Ben Nunn, who suffered a knock late in the Dorchester match. Joining him will be wingers Ricky Modeste and Greg Morgan, while a number of individuals played themselves into contention during the midweek 5-2 Senior Cup win at Great Wakering Rovers. Strikers Cliff Akurang (suspended) and Michael Bakare (cup tied) miss out.

A larger than normal crowd is expected, and supporters are advised to arrive at Melbourne as early as possible to avoid lengthy queues at the turnstiles, although there is no segregation for the match and fans can pay on the day to gain admission. There will also be a moment of silence prior to the game to commemorate the bravery of the fallen in the World Wars and more recent military conflicts.

Join Us for the England Game! After the match, supporters of both teams are invited to watch the Three Lions’ friendly against Spain (kick-off 5:15pm) on the big screen in the clubhouse. As an added incentive, from the final whistle in the City match through to 6:30pm, selected beers will be just £2.00 a pint! Light snacks will be available and fans can also visit a programme and memorabilia stall.

AFC Telford United: Address: The Bucks Head Stadium, Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 2TU. Phone: (01952) 640064. Position Last Season: 2nd in the Blue Square Bet North. Miles from Chelmsford: 173. Approx. Journey Time: 3 hours. Nickname: The Bucks. Team Colours: White and Black. Ground Capacity: 6,380 (Seats 2,004). Official Website: www.telfordunited.com.

Weather Forecast: Sunny Intervals. 14 degrees Celsius. Wind 4 mph.

Blue Square Bet Odds: Chelmsford City 13/10, Draw 11/5, AFC Telford United 9/5. Do you fancy a flutter? Then visit www.bluesq.com/chelmsford where you can register to earn money for the Clarets when you open a brand new Blue Square account.

Follow the Clarets Online! Stay up-to-date with all the latest Clarets news, results, offers and information through the club’s brand new official Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/OfficialClarets or search for, and follow, ‘OfficialClarets’. This new service runs in conjunction with the existing unofficial feed from ‘CCFCUpdates’ which is also a useful source of updated scores and match details.

Build-Up to Kick-Off in Style! Three-course meals can be booked before every home game, with a two-course service and soft drink provided in place of a starter for midweek matches. The package includes express gate entry, access to the Don Walker Suite bar, reserved Main Stand seats, half time refreshments, a programme and the chance to meet the players after the game. The price is £35 per person, with a discount for 10 or more guests. Drinks at the bar are not included. To book, contact Bev on (01245) 290959.

Supporters Club Man of the Match: For home games, all City supporters can vote for their Man of the Match. The winner will be announced in the Don Walker Lounge where Supporters Club members are invited to congratulate the winner after the game. To register your vote, simply text the name of your chosen player, to (07570) 244929 near the end of the game (or up to 5:30pm on Saturdays), when the winner is announced.