Ex-Bucks legend Steve Palmer in FA Cup fairytale hopes

AFC Telford United legend Steve Palmer aims to create an FA Cup fairytale tomorrow - by reaching the first round proper with one of the lowest ranked teams left in the competition, writes JAMES GARRISON.

Now playing for Midland Alliance table-toppers Tipton, the 33-year-old is hoping to help inspire an upset at Evo Stik division one south strugglers Sheffield FC in the fourth and final qualifying round.

And a place in Sunday's first round draw is the massive prize on offer.

"It's a massive day for everybody involved," said Palmer, who also captained the old Telford United.

"When I stepped down to play in the Alliance, I thought my chances of days like this had gone.

"It's going to be tough because Sheffield are in a division higher but we have already beaten Market Drayton Town from that league in the Cup this season. We are top of our league and they are struggling in theirs.

"When you think we could have been facing teams like Luton, Crawley or Mansfield, we can't complain about the draw — we have a chance."

Now 33, Palmer has converted from a tough-tackling midfielder to centre half and he is hoping to draw on his past memories of reaching the first round.

"I got there with Telford twice and we lost to Cambridge and Blackpool," he said.