Dagenham & Redbridge v FC Halifax Town: Rewriting of recent history is Halifax goal

The Shaymen will be making their fourth appearance in the first-round proper since reforming in 2008.

Victory at Dagenham & Redbridge, however, would mean breaking new ground for a club who, in the past, have lost to Charlton Athletic, Bradford City and Wycombe Wanderers in the first round.

“My first reaction on seeing the draw was to think ‘a tough one’,” said Heath. “You look at a draw in two ways.

“One is financial, can we get a Sheffield United or a Millwall? But, from my point of view, I wanted the lowest ranked team. At The Shay.

“Instead, we got a tough tie. Dagenham & Redbridge are flying high in the National League. They have some good players and are near the top of the league for a reason.

“But we go there in a different scenario to usual. We are the underdogs in the Cup and quite rightly so. What I will say is we will go there and have a real go.

“I would hate for us to go down there and not perform, and for it to be an anti-climax. We have to go there to try and cause an upset.

“There will be upsets, there always are. Hopefully, it can be us.”

The closest Heath has come to reaching the first round as a manager before this season was a year ago when in charge of North Ferriby United.

A stoppage-time equaliser from Stalybridge Celtic sent the tie to a replay that the Villagers lost at home on penalties. Celtic faced Doncaster in the next round. Heath added: “If we can pull off a shock then it would be great to be in the second round draw as well. If we can do the job right and reach the heights I know we can, it can happen.”