A historic occasion awaits Macclesfield FC.

The Silkmen will take on AFC Totton in the first round of the FA Cup this Saturday, November 1.

It is the first time the club has reached this round of the iconic competition since reforming in October 2020.

Speaking to the media ahead of the tie, manager John Rooney acknowledged how important this moment is, not only for the team, but for the town as a whole.

He said: "It's the first time we've been in the first round proper since the club reformed, so it's a good one for the fans. Especially with it being at home in front of what we call our 12th man.

"Only a few years' back the town had no football club. What Rob (Smethurst) has done for this club is massive.

"I started my journey here, so I know what the town's about and I know how much they love the football club.

"We see every weekend how much it means to them. To be at home this weekend for the first round is something we're really looking forward to."

Macclesfield FC take on AFC Totton in the first round of the FA Cup (Credit: Nub News)

Form

Macclesfield come into the game on hot form, having come out on top in their past four matches including a 1-0 win over top of the league South Shields.

Rooney said: "We're just looking to carry that momentum on.

"The lads are in a good place at the momentum and trained really well again this week."

AFC Totton, who are in the southern counterpart of the National League North, journey to the Leasing.com Stadium having lost just one of their past nine games in all competitions.

Confidence high

Despite AFC Totton's impressive start to the season, which leaves them lying third in their league, Rooney is confident Macclesfield can get the job done.

"I think anyone our level, especially at home, we can go and beat.

"It's a game where, no, we don't feel much pressure and I don't think the lads will either.

"At the moment they're a really confident group. We just need to take that confidence into Saturday as we have done the past couple of games and see what we can do.

"Come 5 o'clock, if we perform I think we will be in the second round."

The match kicks off at the Leasing.com Stadium at 3pm this Saturday, November 1 (Credit: Nub News)

Eyes on the second round?

While confident, Rooney is trying not to get ahead of himself.

He said: "I've got my eyes set on the game on Saturday, we can start looking at that (second round draw) hopefully if we get through this round.

"I don't want to look too far ahead and say 'we want to play them if we get through'. Let's deal with Saturday first.

"It's a challenge for us to be in the draw on Monday, that's our target. Come 5 o'clock on Saturday we want to be in the next round and hopefully get drawn against one of the big boys."

Rooney also recognised how important progression could be for the club from a financial perspective.

"Look at Marine when they played spurs, it changed their club totally," he said.

"For the teams in the lower leagues and ourselves it can massively change the club."

Team news

Macclesfield are expected to have a full strength squad, minus the injured Luke Matheson.

One man who will be missing, however, is Sean Etaluku, whose departure was confirmed earlier this week.

The winger links back up with Robbie Savage and several former teammates at Forest Green Rovers.

Asked if fans should be concerned, Rooney said: "They've had buyouts in their contracts and they were met, there's nothing we can really do about that.

"Sean was brilliant for us in the beginning stage of the season. He was doing really well and they put an offer in which we couldn't turn down and Sean wanted to go.

"We wish him nothing but good luck and we hope he does well there, but we've got to move on. It's football, it happens.

"Justin Johnson's come in since he's gone and he's doing really well. One door shuts and another one opens for another player to come into the team."

Captain Paul Dawson believes home advantage will be key (Credit: Macclesfield FC)

Skipper's view

Captain Paul Dawson says they will need the support of the fans if they are to progress.

"A big crowd expected and a place in the second round up for grabs, so it's a really exciting game," he said.

"Every game's different, they (AFC Totton) might change the way they play. We're ready for anything.

"It's just another game, 11 v 11.

"We're at home so we've got the advantage. Like everyone always says, they are our 12th man and when they do get behind us it just gives you the extra bit to go and do better."

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