South Shields v Shrewsbury: Not your typical 'potential upset' as Michael Appleton wants FA Cup to aid league revival

But despite Michael Appleton's side facing a side two leagues below them on Sunday in the first round - this game has a different feel about it.

South Shields may be in the National League North - but they are leaders and have been a full time outfit for some time now, with real aspirations of climbing higher.

And Appleton is well aware of what faces his side when they arrive at the 1st Cloud Arena for the Sunday lunchtime kick off in front of the TV cameras.

The Salop, who travelled up to watch their clash with Scarborough last week, said: "Obviously, they're clearly well-backed. I think they're probably one of the only teams, if not the only team in the division, that are full-time. 

 "It gives you an understanding of how serious they're taking the situation, and they clearly want to go through the leagues. 

"They play a really good brand of football, have got some good footballers, and look, there's a reason why we're on TV. 

"I'm not stupid, I've been in it long enough, and I've been in these situations long enough, where as a League Two or a League One manager, playing a side, a few steps below us. So I'm very aware and fully aware of the situation, and I'm probably perversely looking forward to it. 

"I mean, obviously there's a reason why they are probably much fitter than the rest of the teams in the division. Like I say, they play a really good brand of football.

"I drove up there last week, was it, when they played Scarborough to have a little look, just get my eyes on them myself. And I enjoyed the game and it was interesting how Scarborough set up initially and then changed it within 20 minutes.

"We're taking them very seriously and there will be no sort of letting up from our point of view in terms of the preparation."

Salop's form heading into Sunday's clash has seen an upturn - with Appleton's side finally able to turn moments in games into victories.

Two draws either side of back to back wins has changed the atmosphere around the side - with optimism they can climb up the table after a poor start.

And Appleton is a firm believer that a cup run will do know harm in aiding their improved league form.

He said: "I've been at football clubs before where it's almost kick-started stuff for the club or given the club a focus way from the pressures that come from the league.

"Having a good cup run, I think, does help football clubs in the lower ends, you know, League One and League Two.

"There'll be sides, obviously, at the top end of the table  that might think differently.

"But I've been there at the top end of the table at both League One and League Two and still sort of really enjoyed and wanted these games because I know how much it means to the fans and we want to make sure that we show that."