Jim Vince's side will be firm favourites to progress at the expense of neighbours Silsden as they enter the competition at the earliest stage in their modern history.

But midfielder Justin Walker expects the Vodkat North West Counties Premier Division outfit to raise their game.

"It is a prestigious competition and a club like Halifax Town wants to be part of it," said the former Nottingham Forest , Scunthorpe, Lincoln City, Exeter City, Cambridge United, York City and Chester City and Ilkeston man.

"But anyone who comes to the Shay, with the pitch and the support, will want to play.

"You can only beat the teams that are put in front of you - and that's what we will be trying to do on Saturday."

While Town have bagged just one win in their opening four matches, Silsden have won their last three games, a run that began with a 4-1 FA Cup extra preliminary round win over Eccleshill.

And the Shaymen will have to be on their guard as they look to book a place in the next round.

"It is important that we gel quickly," said Walker. "It is not the start we wanted by any stretch of the imagination.

"But we can only take one step at a time and hopefully we will turn the corner and get the results."

Walker was encouraged by Town's display against Durham City on Monday when, despite being unable to break their Shay duck, they were the better side.

And that was without the likes of Ashley Stott, Ross Clegg, Tony Barras, Ryan Sugden and Adam Morning who were all injured.

"The gaffer asked for a response after Saturday's game at Lancaster and even though we had one or two out with injuries, we got on with it and it was a lot better," he said.

"There were some encouraging signs because we created chances and looked a lot more solid."