Gary McCann was happy with Hendon's draw in the first round proper of the FA Cup with Budweiser. A trip to Npower League 2 strugglers Aldershot Town is the Greens reward and McCann said, "It is still a nice, attractive tie for us.

"As it is not too far away we'll hopefully have a good following. And there is a chance for a giant-killing for us."

McCann was in the Hendon squad the last time the Greens played at the Recreation Ground. He was an unused substitute in a 6-2 defeat in April 2003, the day the Shots clinched the Ryman League Premier Division title. Although the final score looks the match was one-way traffic, Hendon led until the last 20 minutes, during which time Aldershot scored five times - including a penalty taken by goalkeeper Nikki Bull. Five days later, at Claremont Road, the scores were halved (and the crowd was 2900 fewer) as Aldershot won 3-1.

The Hendon management team of McCann, Freddie Hyatt and Junior Lewis all played in the Greens team when they won a League encounter at the Rec in October 1998 and Lewis scored a stunning second goal in the 2–0 victory.

The clubs have met in cup ties on two occasions, both the League Cup. Hendon won the first encounter, in 1992-93 - the Shots' first season - Gary Keen and Barry Blackman netting in a 2-1 win. The Greens ceded home advantage on Valentine’s Day 2002 and there was no loving from the hosts as they beat an under-strength Hendon - with McCann in goal - 2-0.