Kingstonian have been drawn away to League Two Macclesfield Town in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup.

It has been two decades since the K’s appeared in the competition’s main stage and Hayden Bird’s rejuvenated side battled through four qualifying rounds since August, culminating in a thrilling 3-2 win on Saturday at Dartford.

The run to the First Round has already generated over £30,000 in prize money and gives K’s a chance to match the feats of the legendary team of 2001 which reached the 4th Round before losing to Bristol City at home in a replay live on Sky TV.

Bird refused to be cowed by the prospect of a long trip to Cheshire to face a professional team. “It’s an ideal tie,” he told the Comet. “We have the opportunity to play league opposition and show everyone the progress Kingstonian are making.”

The Silkmen currently sit 9th in League Two, some 75 places above part-time K’s in the pyramid. They escaped relegation last season under the highly publicised management of Sol Campbell, who departed in August, but there are still rumblings of discontent off the field after repeated financial issues.

Being part of the drama of the draw on BBC2 on Monday night was just rewards for K’s exploits at Dartford. The away team raced into a 3-0 goal first-half lead at the Vanarama South side before holding out for the upset. First, Reece Hall struck a ball from 25 years on the turn into the bottom corner, then Louie Theophanous doubled the advantage with a calm finish before Tom Kavanagh smashed home a penalty.

For fans long accustomed to FA Cup disasters, from Poole Town to the nadir of VCD Athletic, this was an extraordinary return to form. "I'm so proud of the team and pleased for the supporters," said Bird. "This is why i came to this club. It's a privilege to be here. And this is just the start for Kingstonian."

The game at Macclesfield will be scheduled for the weekend of 8-10 November. But there are league and Trophy obligations to come this week. Bognor Regis visit King George’s Field on Wednesday before K’s host landlords Corinthian-Casuals in the FA Trophy next Saturday.