Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey admitted this week that he couldn’t believe how tough the draw for the FA Cup third qualifying round was on his club.

Avenue were handed a tie at Blue Square Bet North Division leaders Hyde FC.

They are a full division above Avenue and have home advantage, although Deacey’s men are riding high in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

“It couldn’t have been any tougher,” claimed Deacey. “They are the highest-ranked club still in the competition at this stage, so we have got the toughest task imaginable.”

The Conference proper, Blue Square Bet Premier, do not come into the competition until the fourth- qualifying round.

Hyde, as North Division leaders, and their counterparts from the southern section - Woking and Dartford are joint leaders but Woking have the slender edge of a two goal better goal difference - are the top clubs in the third-qualifying-round draw. Avenue could not have been paired with either Woking or Dartford as the draw is still regionalised at this stage.

“When you look at it, we are going to a nice ground with a great surface to play a very good team,” added Deacey, who has had since Monday to come to terms with the draw.

“It would certainly make a few people look around if we were to get a result there. They are unbeaten home and away so far but I was told that they had lost a local cup tie but they could have had their reserves out for that one.

“Our lads are certainly looking forward to it and have been talking about it in training. I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure the club as a whole are. Hyde play good football and we try to play the game the way it should be, so it should be a good game.

“You can’t underestimate our task but when you have nothing to lose it gives you the freedom to play and express yourselves.

"I don’t suppose we will be given a chance (by the bookmakers) of getting a result over there, so anything we do get will be a credit to us.

“It will be a good test for us and we expect it to be an enjoyable game for the spectators, I’m sure they (Hyde) will feel the same. It’s what the FA Cup is all about really and that’s why everyone is looking forward to it.”