Siberia might seem an unusual destination to begin a story of FA Cup romance but, on this occasion, there is no place more fitting.
Marine against Tottenham is the football match that has grabbed a nation’s attention.
Excitement in Crosby, the leafy village seven miles from Liverpool city centre where this proud little club are based, has reached fever pitch but interest in this tie has gone global.
Such was the fascination with the third-round draw that Marine chairman Paul Leary — whose association with the club dates back to 1978 when he became treasurer — was interviewed on an Australian chat show shortly after it was confirmed that Jose Mourinho was coming to town.