Steve Ford has a special interest in the other big FA Cup tie for Sussex this weekend.

Not many people, apart from Gary Elphick, can say they have played for both Lewes and Stoke.

Ford has, so Albion's community scheme manager is fascinated by tomorrow's first round clash at the Britannia Stadium.

"I was away on holiday in the States when the draw was made, but I was delighted when I got back to the office and heard about it," Ford said.

"I know some of the chaps at Lewes and I am thinking about going. It will be a great occasion."

Ford will always be grateful to Lewes for re-launching his football career.

They persuaded him back into the game after a U-turn by Albion prompted him to switch sports.

Ford, 42, revealed: "Alan Mullery was going to sign me for Albion from school when I was playing for England schoolboys, but he changed his mind.

"I was so disillusioned that I played basketball for Brighton Bears and was out of the game for six months until Lewes asked me back.

"I scored three goals in my first game and I had two great years there. In the second year we won the league.

"Ray Smith was the manager and I was playing with people like Terry Parris, who is now the chairman, and his brother Pip."

Elphick, who had already moved from Lewes to Stoke, initiated the deal which took Ford to the Potteries.

"Gary told them about me," Ford explained. "They came and had a look and bought me for two grand. Part of the deal included Stoke coming down for a match at the Dripping Pan and Adrian Heath played for them.

"I was at Stoke for two years and got in the side twice when Adrian was injured, but we were sixth in the old First Division at that time.

"The front line was Heath, Lee Chapman and Mark Chamberlain, so it was difficult to break in. Paul Bracewell was in midfield and Steve Bould at the back and they had a really good side."

Ford will be bursting with pride tomorrow, because he played a part in the development of three of the Lewes squad.

"I coached the Johnson twins as kids at Albion's centre of excellence ten years ago and Marc Cable," he said. "Seeing them come through is brilliant."