CONSIDERING Burton Albion have met Cherries just three times, it is remarkable that the Brewers have featured prominently in two of the club’s champagne moments.

For anybody well versed in recent AFC Bournemouth history, it would be impossible to forget April 24, 2010.

Magnanimous hosts on a famous day for Cherries, Burton were beaten 2-0 as the Pirelli Stadium was transformed into a sea of red and black with jubilant travelling fans toasting promotion from League Two. The clubs also have a memorable FA Cup backstory. In front of a crowd of more than 13,000, Cherries ham-mered Burton 8-0 on November 17, 1956 to set foot on their epic adventure which was only halted by the might of Manchester United in the sixth round.

While Cherries’ League Two days now seem a lifetime away, Burton have also enjoyed a rapid rise. As recently as 2001, the Brewers were plying their trade in the Southern League. Promoted out of the Conference as champions in 2008-09, they are now flourishing in their fifth season in the Football League.

After finishing 13th, 19th and 17th in the basement division, the Brewers ended last season fourth before enduring play-off heartache. Under the management of former player and assistant boss Gary Rowett, in-form Burton arrive at Dean Court second in League Two on the back of an impressive 10-match unbeaten run.

Their FA Cup record makes decent reading, too. In 2005-06, the then non-league outfit took Manchester United to a third-round replay before going one better by reaching the fourth round in 2010-11.

The winners of tomorrow’s clash will claim £67,500 in prize money. Cherries or Burton will take ball number 32 in Sunday’s draw at Wembley from 2pm.