Tony Gold, manager of London Lions, believes his team has nothing to lose when they make their debut in the FA Carlsberg Vase on Sunday.
The Lions have made an erratic start to the South Midlands League Division One season but Gold is confident the team can make its mark against Essex Senior League side London ASPA - a predominantly Muslim team - at Broxbourne Borough FC.
"It's a highly prestigious tournament, rich in history," said Gold. "It is a fantastic honour for London Lions to have the opportunity of competing in this competition for the first time.
"It's deserved reward following a hugely successful period in the club's history and for all the hard work that goes on both on and off the field of play.
"We will do our best to focus on winning this game and then see what journey it takes us on from there."
The winner of the tie will receive £500 from the FA.
The Lions returned to winning ways in the league last weekend with two goals from Daniel Stanton plus one from Paul Linger, the former Charlton Athletic player, steering them past Stony Stratford Town.
Denzel Moses put the visitors ahead but Linger started the comeback with a powerful header from a Josh Kennet free-kick. Stanton clinched the points with two second-half efforts.
"We've had a difficult month with player availability. Hopefully, with some key players coming back, we can start putting some results together.
"It's a game we can go into quite relaxed. We will enjoy the experience, be relaxed and have nothing to lose."
