Tony McInally admits Cumnock face a trip into the unknown as they break new ground in the Scottish Cup.
But the Townhead Park chief is hoping a last-minute spying mission can see his side triumph as they set out on the road to Hampden.
'Nock travel to the north-east village of Pitmedden to face Highland League cracks Formartine United – bossed by former Aberdeen star Russell Anderson – in Saturday's first round.
Assistant manager Mark Cameron has already made the trip – he watched their opponents thrash Huntly 5-1 at the weekend.
Cameron's dossier will be studied intently this week as Cumnock attempt to find chinks in Formartine's armour ahead of what will be an historic tie.
And while some of the excitement is missing given the fact the team are on their travels, boss McInally says the club will embrace the cup challenge.
"It's going to be a special occasion," McInally told Ayrshire Live. "The club is buzzing with the SFA Licence and it has been a big boost to everyone.
"This is something different for us and something for us to look forward to. We got a bye in the preliminary round and now we're away to Formartine.
"Mark was away watching them on Saturday so we've had eyes on them and will see what they've got.
"They are a bit of an unknown quantity but we've been doing a bit on research on them. They've got a big squad and a manager, Russell Anderson, who was a terrific player.
"We will prepare the boys during the week and shape up accordingly in the training sessions. We'll see what they've got, where their weaknesses are and try and exploit them."
Cumnock head to North Lodge Park buoyed by Finlay Frye's penalty winner in a 1-0 victory at Darvel on Saturday.
"We are in decent fettle," McInally added. "The last few games we have beaten Pollok, beaten Kilwinning Rangers, were unlucky not to take anything from the Auchinleck Talbot game and have now beaten Darvel.
"We've had a tricky run of games but I'm delighted with the boys. If we play like we did against Darvel, I'm confident we'll get something from the game."
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