Austin's Bees gearing up for what will be an FA Trophy cracker against Carlisle!

The Bees grabbed the headlines last season as they reached the second round of the FA Cup, taking Sky Bet League One side Reading to extra-time before bowing out.

Mitch Austin's side were unable to reach the first round of the Cup this season, but have shone in the Trophy to reach the third round proper, having seen off higher level opposition in Enfield Town in round two.

They now take on Enterprise National League high-flyers Carlisle United for a place in the last 32, and there is going to be a bumper crowd for the match against a side managed by former Manchester City and Wales boss Mark Hughes.

It's arguably the biggest match the club has ever staged, and the Bees will go into it in great form, having lost just once in all senior competitions all season - and that was after extra-time against National League Altrincham in the FA Cup.

They will also be fresh, with their trip to Bishop's Stortford on Saturday being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, and they also have a free week.

That's a luxury not afforded to Carlisle, who were thumped 4-1 at league one side Blackpool in the FA Cup on Sunday, and then lost 3-1 at home in the league on Wednesday night, missing the chance to go top of the National League.

"The draw is perfect reward for us," said Austin after the his side was paired with the Cumbrians.

"They have got to be the biggest club to come to us in my time, so it is another bit of history due to a lucky draw, due to doing really well in the previous rounds.

"We’ll have a really good day and it will be packed as I fully expect the ground to be full."

Carlisle took 3,500 fans to Blackpool on Sunday but have been allocated just 350 for the tie at the Bee Hive.

The club is hoping to beat their attendance record of 1,813 that turned out for the Altrincham Cup match in October, when the Bees lost after extra-time.