Who would have thought Cardiff City would make the final?

And who would have thought they would be playing Portsmouth?

Who would have thought none of the so-called big four would even make the semi-finals?

But more importantly, as far as Clitheroe are concerned, who would have predicted the success of the non-league sides in the competition?

Harrogate Railway – from the same league as the Blues – somehow managed to battle their way to the second round proper, only to narrowly lose out to Mansfield Town.

And even more remarkably, Southern League outfit Chasetown, from the same level of the pyramid, reached the lucrative third round before losing out to eventual finalists Cardiff.

The Blues embark on this season's competition on Saturday in the preliminary round at Penrith (kick-off 3 p.m.).

And as far as joint-manager Neil Reynolds is concerned, there is no reason why this year it can't be Clitheroe's turn in the spotlight: "The mentality for us for the cup game is that it is the FA Cup – every manager wants to do well in the FA Cup.

"Every non-league club of our stature is dying, and doing everything they can, to get in that first round.

"I say it every year, and I'll say it this year as well, that there is no reason at all why we can't get into the first round.

"You need a little bit of luck along the way, but with the quality we have got, you never know.

"Penrith is going to be a massive task for us, I've had them watched and they are great going forward.

"But we'll go there and treat it like any other game, respect the opposition but not fear them.

"Penrith have history in the FA Cup, which is the one thing Clitheroe hasn't got, so let's make this year our year.

"It's possible for anyone to get into that first round, but I genuinely believe this could be our year – why not?

"If you never believe, and you never shoot for the stars, then you will never achieve anything."

Clitheroe made it three wins on the spin on Bank Holiday Monday against Salford City, after the opening day defeat to Mossley, and Reynolds added: "We've got a good set of lads here.

"People booed us after the Mossley game, which I thought was very harsh, and that still rings around the ears of the lads.

"I'll remind the lads constantly about that performance, but we've kicked on from that now and won our last three.

"The fans were brilliant on Monday, and that support is invaluable.

"When they get behind us here (at Shawbridge), I feel there is nothing better in the league.

"When they really get behind us, the lads love it – it spreads and it breeds confidence.

"We are by no means the finished article at the moment, but I'm really chuffed that we've taken nine points from 12.

"We've put ourselves in a really good position – I think it took us 11 games last season to get nine points, and now we can't wait to go home and have a look at the league table."

The club is running a coach to Saturday's FA Cup tie at Penrith, setting off from The Bridge at 11-30 a.m.

Clitheroe Reserves are in action on Monday in the Lancit Haulage Lancashire League when they host Darwen (kick-off 7-45 p.m.).