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IN PICTURES: Sporting Khalsa start grafting for biggest ever game against FC United of Manchester

Most football clubs undertake a vigorous week of training ahead of the biggest FA Cup tie in their history.

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Press duties and lavish massage sessions aside, players are left to work thoroughly with the coaching staff on how they will edge that one step closer to Wembley.

But not at Sporting Khalsa. The build-up to this weekend's historic cup clash with the mighty FC United of Manchester has involved physical work of a different kind – manual labour, to be precise.

Boss Ian Rowe, right, prepares to get his hands dirty
A JCB digger clears space for fans at Noose Lane
Star Craig Bannister, near, shows more handiwork

You would struggle to imagine Wayne Rooney clearing the Old Trafford car park of clutter ahead of a vital quarter-final, or Jose Mourinho down on all fours shifting endless piles of rubble.

But for Khalsa FA Cup top scorer Craig Bannister, boss Ian Rowe and others, the graft is all part of the experience.

Media officer Mat Danks said: "We're preparing space for fan zones.

"There will be two big marquees there for the game – our normal facilities just wouldn't cope.

"The food and drink will also be as affordable and accessible as possible.

"It has been all hands to the pump down with the owners, gaffer and star striker digging in."

The club from Aspray Arena – formerly known as Noose Lane – have been the toast of non-league football nationwide this season in their fairytale run to the fourth qualifying round.

They welcome fan-owned FC United for a place in the first round proper of the world's oldest domestic cup competition.

United, who were formed as a rebellion to the Glazers' takeover at Manchester United, are known to travel to games in their thousands and Khalsa are busy preparing to face a crowd like no other they have before.

Rowe's men, now the lowest-ranked team left in the whole competition, have struggled with attendances over the months and have played in front of crowds of just 25 in the Midland Premier Division this season.

They are expecting anything up to 100x that when the Mancunian side head down the M6 on Saturday.

Ties against AFC Wulfrunians, Basford United and Spalding United have ensured Khalsa are well and truly on the map – but for tonight it back to the bread and butter as they visit Staffordshire side Brocton in the Premier Division.

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