The first team have been busy this week preparing for the biggest FA Cup tie the club has taken part in since the trip to Blackpool in 1999.

It's hard to believe that it is 11 years ago since Bontcho Guentchev hit the woodwork at Bloomfield Road before the home side went on to win 2-0, and earn a trip to Highbury to face Arsenal. It was the closest we had come to meeting a top division side since the trip to Newcastle United in the third round in 1974 when we lost 4-0 in a replay at Vicarage Road having drawn 1-1 at St James's Park, Rod Haider scoring for the Greens.

That trip to Blackpool was the fourth year in a row that we had reached the competition proper of the FA Cup in the late 1990s under the leadership of Neil Price and then Frank Murphy.

In 1996, following wins over Croydon Athletic, Fisher Athletic (following a replay), Dover Athletic and Hastings Town (also after a replay), we were drawn away to Cardiff City in the first round. The team didn't disgrace themselves despite going down to a 2-0 win.

In 1997, we were given an exemption through to the fourth qualifying round, where we made the short trip to St Albans City. Two goals from Colin Simpson took us through to the first round, where, with Hendon fans watching on in the Clarence Park clubhouse, we were drawn at home to Leyton Orient.

In front of 2241 spectators, we drew 2-2 with the O's, with Simpson scoring both goals again, meaning that we faced a trip to Brisbane Road 10 days later.

This turned out to be one of the most famous nights in Hendon's history, as the Greens ran out 1-0 winners. The decisive goal came with about 15 minutes to go when Gary McCann released the ball, it was passed to Freddie Hyatt, who spotted John-Simon White making a run on the right hand side. White received a delicious pass, and in turn he crossed the ball into the box where Junior Lewis was on hand to head the ball past Paul Hyde. It is a goal that will live long in the memory of those Hendon supporters who were there that night.

The reward was another trip to Ninian Park, where Cardiff won again, this time 3-1, with Naseem Bashir scoring a late consolation.

The following year, following a restructure of the competition, we entered in the second qualifying round, where we beat our opponents this weekend 3-2 in a replay at New Lodge. Despite going two goals behind, the Greens fought back, and won the game courtesy of strikes from Tony Kelly, Steve Heard and Curtis Warmington. Further wins against Harlow Town and Bath City earnt a home time against Notts County, who were managed at the time by Sam Alladyce.

Just over 1600 were in attendance at Claremont Road for the first game which ended in a 0-0 draw. The first attempt at a replay at Meadow Lane was postponed due to fog, and although the Greens held Notts County for 60 minutes, the home side eventually won the replay 3-0.

In 1999, wins over Grays Athletic, Blakenall and Margate earnt a trip to Bath City in the first round. Bath were unbeaten in all competitions so far that season at the time, but their PA announcer made the fatal mistake of announcing that fact as the players trooped off at half-time. That meant Frank Murphy's team talk was made much easier, and late goals from Dominic Gentle and Bontcho Guentchev took the Greens to the second round and the trip to Blackpool, and ruined Bath's unbeaten record.

So, Saturday sees our first appearance in the competition proper since that day in Blackpool. Whilst everyone at the club was disppointed not to be drawn against a league club, this is very much a tie that both sides will see as a great chance to progress to the second round.

Chelmsford have reached this stage courtesy of a 7-0 drubbing of Chertsey Town, followed by replay wins over Bromley and Carshalton Athletic. The last time our two clubs met was just after the Clarets had won the Ryman League, and we ran out 2-1 winners at Claremont Road, Davis Haule scoring both goals.

Supporters are reminded that admission to Melbourne Stadium is £11 adults, £7 concessions and £3 under 16s, and the game will kick off at 3.00pm as normal. We hope to see as many Hendon fans there as possible getting behind the team, and hopefully cheering them on to a victory, and progression to the second round.