FA Trophy | First round preview

It’s the FA Trophy first round proper - and there are plenty of potential shocks on the cards.

Read on for some of the day’s biggest games and match odds courtesy of STSBet.

Plymouth Parkway vs Salisbury

Southern League D1 South side Plymouth Parkway have already knocked out two higher ranked teams in this year’s competition, and will look to add a third at home to Salisbury.

Having already dispatched Highworth Town and Merthyr Town, they will look to continue their impressive first outing in the FA Trophy at Bolitho Park.

Lee Hobbs’ side enter the game on the back of indifferent form, both winning and losing three of their last six games.

Parkway recorded a confidence boosting 1-0 win over Cirencester Town last Saturday after three straight defeats. 

Salisbury are just outside the playoffs in the Southern League Premier South, but have been as high as third place.  A poor run of form, with no win in four, was broken last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Walton Casuals.

If you fancy an upset, STSBet are offering 26/1 for a 2-0 home victory. 

March odds: Plymouth Parkway 345/100, Draw 27/10, Salisbury 18/25

Marske United vs FC United of Manchester

Northern Premier League East highflyers Marske United are looking to add another scalp to their growing list in the shape of FC United. 

Neil Reynolds’ side must be wary of a side that is averaging three goals a game this season, and knocked both South Shields and Chester out of the FA Cup. 

While their FA Cup dream may have come to an end at the hands of Gateshead, Marske are in great form.  They’ve lost only once in the league, and have won five of their last six.  They put seven past divisional rivals Bridlington Town in the last round. 

It’s fair to say that FC United are not in the best form, losing four of their last six and failing to score in any of those defeats.

The Rebels have already avoided one upset in this competition, defeating Runcorn Linnets in the last round. They’ll be hoping for more of the same today.   

If you think Marske can claim another upset, STSBet are offering 9/1 for a 2-1 home win. 

Match odds: Marske United 7/4, Draw 53/20, FC United 13/10

Bedford Town vs Potters Bar Town 

Bedford Town will again have to conquer higher ranked opponents if they want to progress to the second round.

The Eagles are top of the Southern League Division One Central and shocked Stafford Rangers in the last round.

Gary Setchell’s side have won six games on the bounce and are top of the league on goal difference from North Leigh.

Visitors Potters Bar are midtable in the Isthmian Premier, and are not in bad form themselves.  A run of three straight wins, and six without defeat, came to an end in last weekend’s 2-1 reverse at Worthing.

Bedford don’t concede many, averaging less than a goal per game so far this season.  If you think they can take a 2-0 home win, STSBet will offer you 14/1.

Match odds: Bedford Town 6/4, Draw 5/2, Potters Bar Town 6/4 

Liversedge vs Basford United 

Another side topping their division at Step 4, Liversedge are another side enjoying their debut in the FA Trophy.

Still unbeaten in the league after promotion from the North East Counties League, they have made an almost perfect start.  A single draw at Hebburn Town is the only blemish on their record. 

Having whitewashed Scarborough Athletic 4-0 in the last round, Jonathan Rimmington’s side will be quietly confident of another upset here.

Basford’s playoff push in the NPL Premier has taken a bit of a hit in recent weeks, with the side picking up just six points from as many games. 

Liversedge are averaging over three goals per game this season, but Basford are performing marginally better away from home so far.  They’re not nearly as prolific however, scoring 19 goals in 17 games. 

A 3-0 home win is on offer for 17/1 with STSBet.

Match odds: Liversedge 9/10, Draw 255/100, Basford United 53/20

Those are just a few of the games that might see an upset this weekend - are you adding any to your acca? Let us know on social media.