Freddie Sears Maldon and Tiptree talk about FA Cup shock at Port Vale

The situation surrounding the team is also much more advanced than their position in the pyramid suggests.

“A lot of times, at this level, most of the players have different jobs, so maybe players are plumbers or electricians, some even trying to juggle two or three jobs,” said sporting director Mitch Cowling.

“But we’re in a really lucky position where maybe 90% of our team haven’t actually taken on additional jobs.

“They might have an interest in football somewhere like a little training here or there, but overall we have a hybrid system so some players come in full time.

“We have professionals like Freddie Sears and Tom Eastman who are now working part-time but we are able to offer a package good enough to make a comfortable living out of a part-time football role.”

With investment comes expectations, and Horlock knows promotion is non-negotiable this season.

For the former Manchester City midfielder, Sunday’s cup tie represents a free kick.

“This is probably the first week where there’s no pressure,” Horlock said.

“We set this as a target to get to the first round when Barry and Scott arrived. They have invested a lot of time and money into the football club, so this was something we wanted to achieve. We did it.

“We still want to progress but it’s difficult to go away to Port Vale.

“I hope they have the day off, I hope we have a little luck and then you never know, right?”