Managed by former City player Mark Peters, Corby Town’s Under 19s, who play in the Football Conference Second Division, have negotiated a tricky route to Hyde.
The Steelboys beat St Ives 3-0 in their opening tie and followed that with an impressive 8-3 victory over Bedford Town at Steel Park in the second qualifying match.
Next up was a home tie with Redbridge and another 3-0 win. Goals from James Harrison, Sam Watkins and Joe Hopewell set up a first-round clash with npower League One side Colchester United.
Corby produced a shock result, stunning the U’s by beating the Essex side 2-0. Two late goals secured their progress to the second round and another home game against npower League two team Dagenham and Redbridge.
The Steelboys against the Daggers proved to be a real thriller as spirited Corby squeezed through 3-2 on penalties after extra time.
With the teams locked at 2-2, Corby goalkeeper Danny Wallace was shown the red card for handling outside the area
Striker Harrison replaced him between the posts and became the hero, saving two penalties and scoring the winning spot-kick to send Corby through to their dream tie against City.
The Blues will be keen to make an impact this season after being knocked out in the fourth round in January, when they lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest.
The tie, on Wednesday 30 November, will be at Hyde’s Ewen Fields ground, kick off 7pm. Ticket information is to be confirmed.
