If you’re looking for an example of just how much football can affect a whole community then look no further than Southern League Division One side Paulton Rovers.

In 2009 the club from a small village in Somerset hosted Paul Lambert’s Norwich City, who sat five divisions above them in League One, in the FA Cup first round proper.

This was the furthest Paulton had ever reached in the competition and although they were comfortably beaten 7-0 by Grant Holt, Wes Hoolahan, Chris Martin et al – the game transformed the community.

“The local television stations were coming out every night to film with us and that went on for about ten days, it was just awesome.

“All the shops and houses had posters and banners in them - the people from around here do come out in their thousands when it arises.”

Rovers welcome Cirencester Town to Winterfield Road in the Buildbase FA Trophy first round qualifying on Saturday, and Bissex is hoping for a similar run to that famous effort in 2009.

“When we beat Salisbury a fortnight ago (in the Buildbase FA Trophy) that was only the third game we’ve won in the FA Trophy since entering in 2004 so it’s time we had a run!” Bissex added.

“Wouldn’t it be great to go to Wembley? It’s a big, big ask, it’s a long way to go but who knows.

“There’s a good atmosphere around the club, right from the players on the pitch to the social side of things.

“It’s a very community-led club and people get involved in doing all kinds of things to raise funds for us.

“There’s £3,250 up for grabs if we win on Saturday and for a club like ours that money means an awful lot.”

Paulton’s opponents on Saturday, Cirencester Town, are based just 40 miles away and the clubs are more than familiar having played against each other in the league already this season – Cirencester won 3-0.

Bissex knows Cirencester chairman Steve Abbley well, and although he can’t be in attendance on Saturday has left a message for his counterpart.

“He used to play for Wycombe Wanderers,” the chairman added. “I didn’t know him then but I’ve certainly known him for the last ten years or so.

“Steve is a very good friend of mine and we do business together so it’s a bit of a needle match as well!”

Buildbase FA Trophy history Paulton’s best ever Buildbase FA Trophy performance was in 2004/5 when they were defeated by Dorchester Town 3-2 in the first round proper, whilst Cirencester have been two stages further as they reached the third round proper in 2002/03.

Did you know? Burnley forward Ashley Barnes began his career at Paulton Rovers before moving to Plymouth Argyle.

The prize The winner of Saturday’s tie will earn £3,250 and a place in the second round qualifying.