The draw for the FA Cup first round was made last night, throwing up some big ties for those in non-league. This midweek sees a host of replays as teams battle out to qualify for the first round proper.
Winner Faces: Notts County (H)
A first half goal from Matt Lowe was cancelled out by a 70th minute strike from Ashley Botswain, meaning National League clubs Brackley and Woking must again do battle for a place in the first round.
The sides are separated by just two places and three points in the league, so another close game is expected. Woking have FA Cup pedigree, famously reaching the FA Cup fourth round in 1991, while Brackley have reached the second round on four occasions- the first time being in the 2013/2014 season.
The Saints are hard to beat at home, while Woking are struggling for form, so another tight game is anticipated.
Prediction: 1-1
Winner Faces: Cambridge United (A)
Morecambe looked set to win the match after Gwion Edwards scored after 21 minutes, before Finley Shrimpton equalised in stoppage time, sparking jubilant scenes in the away end. It made it seven games unbeaten for The Seals and condemned Morecambe to a sixth game in a row without a win.
The Shrimps tend to do quite well in this competition, reaching Round Three on seven occasions- four times coming since 2020. Chester have reached the fifth round on two occasions - the last time coming in 1980.
Morecambe league games are averaging 4.33 goals, while Chester are seeing 3.22 - so a high scoring game is in store.
Prediction: Chester 4-2 Morecambe
Winner Faces: Slough (A)
Harborough Town made headlines in last seasons edition, pushing Reading the distance in a topsy-turvy clash. The Bees showed the resilience, scoring two late goals against National League side Altrincham to muster a replay. It maintains their unbeaten record this season, and Mitch Austin's side will fancy taking another scalp midweek.
Altrincham's late collapse perhaps embodied their struggles this season, with the draw making it seven games without a win - a run that included five defeats. The Robins are just outside the relegation zone, taking just four points on their travels.
The hosts best FA Cup performance was last years second round bout, while the visitors reached the fourth round in 1986.
Prediction: Harborough 2-1 Altrincham
Winner Faces: Accrington Stanley (H)
Sat 12th in the table and being held to a draw at a Gainsborough side two divisions below, the Hartlepool hierarchy despited to part ways with Simon Grayson. This means The Monkey Hangers will be onto their ninth manager in just over two seasons. Gainsborough are ticking along in the NPL Premier Division, sat in sixth, seven points off leaders Lancaster with two games in hand.
Hartlepool's have reached the fourth round on multiple occasions - the most recent in 2022. Gainsborough's best performance in this competition was in 1887 - reaching the third round.
The hosts games are averaging just 1.64 goals, while the visitors have seen just two.
Prediction: Hartlepool 1-0 Gainsborough
Winner Faces: Burton Albion (A)
Two Step Three teams meet at Clarence Park, with St Albans hosting Banbury after a 1-1 draw in the reverse.
After relegation from the National League South, The Saints started sluggishly, but are since nine games unbeaten, including progressing in the FA Trophy. Their best FA Cup performance is reaching the second round on four occasions - the most recent coming in 2022.
Banbury also sit mid table - but this time in the Southern Premier League Central. The Puritans have reached the first round on six occasions but have never progressed further.
These two sides used to play each other regularly in the Southern Leagues in high scoring affairs and with both sides attacking strengths, it wouldn't be a surprise to see goals here again.
Prediction: St Albans 2-1 Banbury
Winner Faces: AFC Telford (H)
The tie of the first round saw Sutton United travel to Farnham Town in the early televised clash. Farnham thought they had secured a historic win and a place in the first round for the first time ever until the visitors grabbed a last gasp equaliser to make it 3-3 and send it to a replay.
Farnham have enjoined a meteoric rise through the ranks and will be looking for one more scalp.
Tuesday marks new manager Chris Agutter's first home game in charge since making the switch from National League South side Worthing. The U's will look to replicate their historic run in 2017 that saw them reach the fifth round before losing to Arsenal.
With Sutton struggling towards the bottom of the National League and Farnham riding a wave of momentum in the Southern Premier League South, this game could go either way.
Prediction: Sutton 3-1 Farnham
Winner Faces: Macclesfield (A)
AFC Totton make the long and treacherous to Cornwall to face Truro City after holding their National League opponents to a draw in the reverse.
The Stags are now five unbeaten in all competitions, sat fifth in the National League South after promotion last year via the playoffs. Totton have made the second round on just one occasion- in 2012 so will be hoping to shock Truro and then Macclesfield.
Truro's only first round entry came in 2017/2018 so the Tinnermen will be looking for a historic victory. They have found their first ever season in the National League tough, so will be looking to bounce back infront of an expectant home crowd.
Prediction: 1-1
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