This will be our first meeting with the Eagles who were formed in 1978 but didn't establish an adult team until 2008. Since then they have filled the vacuum in Letchworth created by the folding of the original Letchworth Garden City who had been long term opponents of ours. Indeed we met them on our way to winning the 1985/6 Charity Shield, the last time we were in this competition. Could that be an omen I wonder?

The Eagles are flying high. Having won the Herts County League last season but then being denied promotion on ground grading they are setting about claiming another championship this season. They currently lie second in the table with two games in hand on the leaders.

Ware may well be looking to give more time to their latest signings whilst also keeping up the momentum before Saturday's FA Cup tie. If so that brings complications for Paul Halsey as both Ahmed Abdulla and Joshua Williams are cup tied so won't be available against Potters Bar.

The programme for this game is £1.50 on the gate and includes the fixtures, results and tables for all our age teams from last season; a history of the visitors; Traveller's Tales; and Aiden's Astroturf looks at racism in football, the new Europa Conference League and the image of competitions such as the Charity Shield.

The club shop will be open before the match and at half time.