THE last time George Rooney played on Congleton Town's sloping pitch in the 1960s he likened it to scaling the North face of the Eiger.

Thirty-five years on and Bromsgrove Rovers' boss says his players will need to climb another mountain if they are to progress against the Cheshire side in tomorrow's FA Cup third qualifying round tie.

Both teams claimed scalps from higher leagues in the previous round.

North West Counties Division One Congleton beat Unibond Premier Division Hucknall Town while Dr Martens Western Division Rovers defeated Premier Division Hednesford Town.

But Rooney says the Bears' victory deserved greater plaudits.

"We had a great result in the last round knocking out Hednesford but statistically they had an even better one beating a side that is challenging for the Unibond Premier Division title," he said.

"It promises to be an even match but we lost to Hucknall in pre-season, and know what a good side they are.

"We know how close we pushed them but they've improved since then and Congleton still managed to dump them out of the competition."

Rooney's experience of the Booth Street pitch came when he briefly played for Ellesmere Port in the old Cheshire County League that included teams such as Macclesfield, Altrincham, Bangor and Stafford Rangers.

"At semi-pro level it was probably the biggest and most powerful league in the country," said Rooney.

"They've got that history and their record attendance is 7,000 against Macclesfield. The pitch used to have a 10ft drop from one end to the other and it was massive -- it was like climbing the North face of the Eiger.

"Fortunately the slope is not as bad now, though it's still there, and the playing surface is excellent.

"I'm looking forward to it and our boys are working hard which is the basis of everything you do.

"I've no fears about the game but I've no doubts it will be a tough nut to crack."

Rooney has illness worries over captain Steve Pope and James Dyson, who both missed the midweek win over Ilkeston, and new signing Michael Swan is cup-tied.

Bromsgrove's manager also has a dilemma at left back following Kevin Banner's impressive display there against the Robins.

"Steve Hillman has been very impressive at left back but I switched him to the middle against Ilkeston and Kevin moved there and did a magnificent job so that's one to think over," admitted Rooney.

If the game is drawn, the replay will be at the Victoria Ground on Tuesday.

FORMCAST: Replay 1-1.