Danny Lafferty’s side have overcome Irlam, Northwich Victoria, Prescot Cables and Trafford to reach this stage.

But now Colls will face their biggest test yet as they head to Mill Farm to take on Fylde, who currently sit seventh in the National League.

“Everyone is excited, morale is high at the minute in camp,” Lafferty said.

“But it is going to be an extremely tough game, we are under no illusions about that.

“We are going to have to be at our best if we want to get anything out of the game. Fylde are a really good side three leagues above us, some really good players.

"We are looking forward to it, we are excited but it is going to be a tough challenge.”

Colls have had to come through some difficult ties to reach this stage, and Lafferty hailed the character of his squad. “I have been immensely proud of the boys on the run that we've had because it has not been an easy run,” he continued.

“There's been some tough games and we have been behind in a few of the games, we've had keepers sent off, we've been down to 10 men and the lads have really dug deep.

“I suppose it is the togetherness and character that has probably stood out for me. We have found ways of getting through difficult games and sometimes you can't coach that. It is the togetherness we have got.

“I am proud of the lads. It has been a good run up to now and I am hoping it doesn't end on Saturday.”

Colls have never reached this stage of the historic competition before, and Lafferty knows exactly what Saturday’s game means for the club and local community.

“It is absolutely massive and I don't think you can underestimate how big it is for a club like Atherton Colls,” he insisted. “I've said numerous times in other interviews, we are a proper family community club.

“It is built on volunteers and hard-working people, and they give up so much of their spare time because they love the place.

“Some of the supporters have been supporters for 20, 30, 40 years so just to give them a day like Saturday is really good. It makes me feel proud, really happy with the lads.

“Personally, I have played over 300 games for the club. I have captained the club, now I am managing it.

“I know what this place means to people, I know exactly what it means to them, so it is really good to be able to give them this day back.”

Lafferty’s association with the club began in 2009 and he went on to captain Colls to the NPL West Division title in 2019.

He was also part of the squads that won the NPL League Cup and North West Counties Premier Division.

The 36-year-old returned to the Dreams2Reality Stadium in September 2024 as part of Michael Clegg’s backroom staff in addition to his paying duties.

At the back end of last year, Clegg stepped down from his role and Lafferty was promoted to become the main man in the dugout.

Lafferty has thrown himself into the challenge but admitted it is rather different to his experiences as a player.

“It has been tough,” he said. “As a player, you just rock up with your boots and your shin pads and you go and play a game of football, you can affect a game of football.

“As a manager, there is so much more work that goes into it, so much more prep. I head and kick every ball on the sideline and it is a lot more stressful.

“I’d be lying if I said I completely enjoy it all because I don't. But cup runs like this, good wins in the last round, they are help. It has been good, but it has been a lot different to what I expected and a lot different to playing.”