The National League side stand between the Shakers and a place in the FA Cup first round proper after a run that has included victories against Wythenshawe, Workington and Bromsgrove Sporting.

It was the toughest draw Bury could have been handed, with Town sitting second in the top tier of the non-league pyramid, but Johnson is relishing the challenge ahead.

He hopes it will be a memorable occasion for the town and supporters after the difficult times the club has been through in recent memory.

“It is going to be as tough of a test as you can get,” Johnson told The Bury Times. “When the draw was made, I looked at what was the hardest possible tie we could have.

“We couldn’t get Boreham Wood, who are top of the National League, so to get Harrogate Town, it doesn’t get any tougher.

“Top end of the National League are going to be better than the bottom end of League Two, it is just how it works.

“So it doesn’t get any tougher; full time and they have just come out of the Football League. It is a really good test for us.

“We don’t consider ourselves a full time side but it gives us the opportunity to test ourselves and showcase ourselves to see how far we are, or how close we are, to sides like that.

“It is going to be a really good occasion for the football club, brilliant for the supporters but from our point of view, it allows us to see how close we can get to a full time, professional outfit.”

The match (12.30pm) will be broadcast live on BBC red button and iPlayer as the Shakers aim to pull off an upset.

Although Harrogate play a couple of divisions higher, Johnson believes his Bury side can be a match for anyone on their own turf.

“The fact it is on the TV and people get to see it proves Bury is on its way back, it’s as simple as that,” the manager added.

“You only have to look at the results, especially at Gigg Lane, this season. I know the league table is a little bit false at the moment because of the games in hand we have got on sides.

“But it showcases our ability as a football club and how we can hold certain events, and as a football team to show how good we can be. It is exciting for the club, the team and the town.”