FAIRYTALES really do come true – as AFC Stoneham can now happily testify.

The Sydenhams One club are enjoying the most momentous days of their 100-year history after battling through to the first qualifying round in their debut FA Cup season.

The Purples welcomed some very important visitors to their HP Arena home this week when the Football Association brought the world-famous trophy down to Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh.

Stoneham pride themselves on being a community club and over 200 of their junior players, plus managers and coaches, joined the first team in the build-up to Saturday's eagerly awaited home tie against Cirencester Town (3pm).

Proud chairman Mark Stupple said: “It was a superb day for the whole club, especially the children who all had plenty of time to have photos with the trophy.

“Whoever thought the FA Cup would come to little old AFC Stoneham!”

Under the expert guidance of former Winchester and Alresford co-boss Tim Cole, The Purples have already pulled off two Cup ‘giant-killings’ against Wessex Premier outfit AFC Portchester and Isthmian League Westfield.

Next up are Cirencester who, only three seasons ago were playing four levels above them. Now the clubs sit two divisions apart with the Centurions fifth in the Evo-Stik Division One South.

“The boys have performed incredibly well to get this far and we all know that Saturday’s game is a big step up in terms of opposition, with respect to AFC Portchester and Westfields,” said Stupple.

“Cirencester are a very well-established Southern League team and we’re expecting a very hard game.

"However, someone is looking after us, giving us a third consecutive home tie!

“Through the fantastic efforts of Tim, James (Phillips, head coach) and the boys, the club has benefited to the tune of over £5,000, which for a volunteer-run, community grassroots club, is a lot of money when every penny counts.

"To even be in a game on Saturday whereby we could make another £6,000 is pretty incredible.”

While enjoying the limelight of their FA Cup journey, The Purples have also in the last week recorded a 4-3 League Cup win at Bemerton, triumphed 3-1 at Penn & Tylers Green in the FA Vase and beat Petersfield Town 5-0 in only their third league game of the season.

“Whatever happens on Saturday, we’ll have a great day, embrace the occasion and enjoy ourselves,” said Stupple. “Cirencester have everything to lose and nothing to gain whilst, for us, the complete opposite is true.

“I know that every one of our players will give everything they have and, regardless of the result, will do the club proud.

"It’s the ‘magic of the FA Cup’ and anything can happen on the day!”

With no Premier League football on Saturday, fans are urged to arrive early.

There will be plenty of parking space available at the Chestnut Avenue ground, which is well signposted.

Entry is £6 (with programme) adults, £3 concessions and free for under-16s.

Stoneham could not have picked a better time for a Cup run.

Not only is it their centenary season, but the FA Prize Fund has doubled to £30.2m.

The FA’s Andy Ambler said: “With £4m now guaranteed to be distributed to Non-League clubs such as Stoneham, we’re confident this increased level of investment will benefit participating clubs and their communities at every level of football across the country.”