Cup tie in TV spotlight

To allow this to happen, the kick-off time for the Saturday December 1 match has been brought forward from 3pm to 1pm as Harrogate’s floodlights are below ITV’s requirements.

Supporters’ coaches will now be leaving The Pilot Field at 5am on the morning of the match and not 7am as previously planned.

A club statement said: “Whilst being inconvenient, it is obviously a wonderful opportunity for both clubs, and we hope supporters will understand and welcome the chance to get back home in time to see the highlights!”

Ryman Football League Premier Division outfit United are the lowest ranked team left in the world famous competition. Harrogate play one level further up the non-league pyramid in Blue Square Bet North.

United knocked out Bishop’s Stortford, who also ply their trade in Blue Square Bet North, in the previous round and should they manage a sixth victory in this season’s competition, they will join the Premier League big guns in the third round draw.