FA CUP fever is set to rock the district after Silsden FC won a place in the world's top club competition.

The 'Cobbydale' team has come from the lower ranks of the Craven League in just a few seasons -- and now dream of becoming Cup giant-killers to add another chapter to their incredible story.

"It's a dream come true, we were hoping for a place in the competition, but when we got the news it was just fantastic," said coach Andy Geary.

Players were back in training on Tuesday after their summer break with the prospect of the FA Cup challenge and a plum draw in the FA Vase in the opening weeks of the season.

Silsden were second out of the hat when the FA Cup draw took place at the Football Association's Soho Square headquarters.

They will play North East team Hebburn Town in the 'Extra Preliminary Round' of the competition on August 28. If they win on their trip to the Tyneside club they will host a tie with top Sheffield side Hallam at Cougar Park the following week.

Silsden are making their FA Cup debut in a record breaking year with a total of 661 entries -- the highest number ever accepted for the competition.

If they win their first round tie the Silsden club will pick up a prize of £500 and a win in the second match would bring a £1,000 bonus.

Geary said: "It is absolutely wonderful news, we want to get the district buzzing and hope all sports fans will back us all the way.

"It is time the Keighley district had a soccer team it can really get behind. There are plenty of people playing the game and a lot of former players out there, I am sure that once they come down to the ground they will be hooked."

Their Extra Preliminary Round opponents, Hebburn Town, play in Division Two of the Northern League and finished mid-table last season. They were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle last year.

The club also has a place in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Vase with the draw bringing them top tie against Harrogate Railway who reached the second round of the FA Cup in 2003. They were beaten 3-1 by Bristol City but had gained a tremendous amount of publicity for the club, including a feature on BBC's Grandstand.

Silsden beat Thackley in the Vase competition last year, but were disappointed to go down to a 1-0 defeat at Cheshire side Alsager Town in the first round proper. They are looking to go further in the competition this year.

They start their pre-season campaign on July 24 against Clitheroe (away) and follow up with a Burnley XI (home) on July 31 and FA Vase semi-finalists, Colne (away), on August 3.

They are also in the West Riding Charity Shield at Cougar Park on August 6.