Histon have made a double signing ahead of this weekend's FA Cup clash

The Conference side entertain Swansea City this weekend in the 3rd Round of the competition having already despatched of both Swindon and Leeds United in this season's competition.

And they are hopeful that their Championship opponents will become the third scalp as they contemplate the potantial as well of promotion to the football league.

Histon manager Steve Fallon has moved quickly to sign the defensive duo after seeing Gareth Gwillim ruled out for up to two months with a knee injury and Craig Pope suffering from illness.

Adam Bygrave has signed for £5,000 from Weymouth whilst Marlon Patterson signed from Dagenham and Redbridge to bolster a defence that must contain some of the Swans free flowing football on Saturday.

Bygrave - who used to be on the books at Reading said "I'm delighted to be here because it's a step forward - the club want to go on to bigger and better things and get promotion, and that's what I want to do.

"They've beaten some quality sides already in the FA Cup and I could see they were a good side when I played against them earlier in the season for Weymouth. I'm raring to go - I'm not expecting to walk straight into the side and I've got to earn my place, but to be part of the squad on such an occasion will be a great experience."

Whilst Paterson added "I used to play left midfield, but I went to Dagenham and John Still saw something in me that I didn't, and I thank him for that, because I feel left-back is my better position.

"I felt very warm as soon as I got to Histon and the chairman and the manager have shown me where the club want to go, so I was very interested and I'm grateful to jump on board.

"Histon are flying at the moment and it's a massive game on Saturday.

"I'm eligible to play and, if selected, I'll go out there and give it my best because I've got a point to prove to myself and to other people."

Photo: Action Images via Reuters