Sam Francis and Dominic Shepherd are the men aiming to fire Lewes to one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history.

Francis is the 20-year-old marksman rated by his manager as the best in Sussex.

Striker partner Shepherd already has 20 goals to his name this season and has a background in professional football.

The small matter of Stoke's multi-national defence stands in the way of them achieving what many consider to be an impossible dream.

The odds are stacked against Lewes causing an upset but that has not stopped Francis taking a wager on himself finding the net at the Britannia Stadium.

Francis, who was at Albion's School of Excellence with Gareth Barry and Michael Standing before getting fed up with football and going to Australia for a year, said: "You can score goals but if I was to score one on Sunday I would be ecstatic. I would love to score on Sunday.

"I will have a bet on myself at Ladbrokes although I am sure the odds will be high."

With ten goals to his name this year, the former Burgess Hill and Southwick man has formed a good understanding with Shepherd.

He said: "Me and Dom work well together. We have played together before and that helps.

"We play well as a partnership and get on all right off the field as well."

Shepherd has already had a taste of a big crowd atmosphere after playing professionally in Ireland with Derry City and Glenavon.

While with Glenavon, Shepherd played in the Bass Irish Cup final in front of a crowd of 11,000, losing 1-0 after extra- time. If they had won, Shepherd would have been playing in the Cup Winners' Cup.

Shepherd said: "I think we will give a good account of ourselves. It will be hard because they will be a lot fitter. But, with a bit of luck, you never know, there could be an upset."

As for the partnership, Shepherd said: "We are doing well together. We are both scoring goals each week. If it is not one, then the other is scoring.

"It is great playing with Sam because he creates a lot for me.

"There are plenty more goals to come from us this season. One each on Sunday would be nice."

Meanwhile, former Lewes player Micky Sinden has flown in from Spain especially to see his old team in action at Stoke City. Sinden turned out for the Rooks during the Seventies.

Tony Cella, son of first team coach Ralph, will lead out the Lewes team at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday. Tony, who celebrated his ninth birthday this week, has been chosen as mascot for the game.