By Chris O'Brien
December 6 2005

Burton Albion will face the biggest day in their 55-year history when they host Manchester United in the third round of the F.A Cup. The Conference outfit qualified for the third round, for the first time since 1985, with a comfortable victory over Northern Premier minnows Burscough FC.

Manchester United will visit Burton Albion in the third round of the F.A Cup after the Brewers comfortably swept aside minnows Burscough in a second round replay.

The non-league giants did battle at the Pirelli Stadium with a dream tie against Sir Alex Ferguson's side at stake. There were no surprises as Nigel Clough's side, two leagues above their Lancastrian counterparts, swept aside the 2003 F.A Trophy winners with a 4-1 victory.

The game was all but over within the opening quarter-hour as Keith Gilroy and Darren Stride gave the hosts an early lead. The majority of the 4,499 crowd were already dreaming of the home tie against United as Gilroy secured a brace, but the result was put back into doubt as David Eaton fired through a crowded penalty area on the hour. However, the result was secured as Shaun Harrad netted late-on.

Burton chairman Ben Robinson revealed his delight at the victory and insisted that the club do not want the tie switched to Old Trafford: "It would have been so hard to deal with a loss against Burscough, but this was a great win and it really is a dream draw for the club. We will meet with the Police this week, and assuming we get the call clear, we want to play the tie at home."

Ferguson has already taken a United side to the Pirelli Stadium this season. A team made up of reserve and youth team players went down 2-1 to the Conference boys in a friendly arranged to mark the opening of the all-seater ground. The January match-up will undoubtedly be a very different affair.

Full Time - Burton Albion 4-1 Burscough
Attendance - 4,499

Burton Albion: Deeney, Henshaw (Rowett 64), Tinson, Austin, Corbett, Hall (Todd 64), Stride, Sedgemore, Gilroy (Ducros 85), Shaw, Harrad.
Substitutes Not Used: Anderson, Taylor.

Burscough FC: Boswell, Barlow, Bell, Tong (Underwood 10), Dames (Rowan 78), Parry, Crowder, Blakeman, Bowen, Gray (McKevitt 85), Eaton.
Substitutes Not Used: Newnes, Nightingale.