Tamworth last got to the third round proper in 2006, losing to Norwich

Tamworth, Halesowen and Chasetown go into Saturday's FA Cup third qualifying round ties knowing they are just wins away from the first round proper.

The Lambs, just two points off the top of Blue Square North, entertain Ryman League side East Thurrock.

Halesowen play Maidstone at the Grove in the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

And Chasetown go to Worcester to meet Evesham United hoping to emulate last season's run to the third round.

Tamworth have lost just once this season and will be favourites to reach the final qualifying round against their lower-ranked opponents from Essex.

Lambs boss Gary Mills told BBC WM they have one eye on the importance of the rewards of a good cup run.

"Financially it gets tougher," he said. "Wages are increasing and we're probably at a stage where clubs will have to stick firmly to their budgets and not get into trouble.

"If you can get into the second or third rounder proper it's very, very good."

Chasetown boss Charlie Blakemore leads last season's celebrations

Halesowen have lost their last two league games but have been in good goal-scoring form in the FA Cup, hitting 12 in their three ties so far.

Chasetown go into their fourth qualifying round at St George's Lane knowing the pressure is on to repeat their heroics of last season when they pushed Cardiff City all the way before going out in the third round.

But boss Charlie Blakemore knows that it will be difficult trying to repeat that with Evesham up next.

"I don't think they can come much tougher to be honest," he told BBC WM. "It's one of those where we're going to have to give it our all.

"That's the beauty of the FA Cup. You never know what's going to happen."