Could Another Unlikely FA Trophy Tale Be On The Cards?

17 Nov 2023 By Sam Elliott

It’s FA Trophy time again as National League clubs’ interest in the historic competition is renewed this weekend.

The North and South sides enter on Saturday, taking a break from the battle for points and let’s not forget, there’s been some unlikely winners in years gone by.

Two years ago it was Wembley glory for AFC Hornchurch and before that Brackley Town triumphed so will there be another unlikely champion in 2024?

If there is to be a non Step 1 side going all the way, Yeovil Town fans will think it could be them.

They’ve won 14 games in a row but how determined are they to fight on three fronts, with an FA Cup tie at Wrexham coming up and a title to fight for? The tie of the round is without doubt a huge west country meeting between Torquay United and the Glovers.

National League North leaders Tamworth themselves face a tough test at Billericay Town, while Scunthorpe United host Darlington who are looking to put Tuesday’s 8-0 hammering at Chorley behind them against a side who love scoring goals at home.

There's an all-Kent tie as Maidstone United face Dartford and the 2021 winners Brackley, pictured, want to do it again but first up it’s a tough trip Stafford Rangers.

Chester are at Nantwich Town as Alfreton - still going strong in the FA Cup - welcome Macclesfield.

Dover and Weymouth meet as Southport tackle South Shields in another of same-division meeting. In-the-headlines Cray Valley Paper Mills stand in Hampton & Richmond Borough’s way while Coalville Town want to shock Boston United.

The winners earn £3,750 with the losing sides also earning £1,000. The National League clubs entering in Monday’s draw.

FA Trophy second round fixtures:
Buxton v City of Liverpool
Scunthorpe United v Darlington
Alfreton Town v Macclesfield
Chorley v Scarborough Athletic
Curzon Ashton v Matlock Town
Spennymoor Town v Mickleover
Warrington Town v Blyth Spartans
Farsley Celtic v Radcliffe
Nantwich Town v Chester
Southport v South Shields
Banbury United v Nuneaton Borough
Gloucester City v Braintree Town
Coalville Town v Boston United
Stafford Rangers v Brackley Town
Stourbridge v King's Lynn Town
Leiston v Peterborough Sports
Redditch United v Rushall Olympic
Bishop's Stortford v St Albans City
Hereford v Redbridge
Aveley v St Ives Town
Harborough Town v Chelmsford City
Hemel Hempstead Town v Walsall Wood
Billericay Town v Tamworth
AFC Totton v Havant & Waterlooville
Hendon v Eastbourne Borough
Torquay United v Yeovil Town
Chippenham Town v Basingstoke Town
Frome Town v Worthing
Dover Athletic v Weymouth
Weston Super Mare v Cray Wanderers
Slough Town v Farnborough
Hythe Town v Tonbridge Angels
Bath City v Beaconsfield Town
Hungerford Town v Truro City
Welling United v Taunton Town
Dartford v Maidstone United
Cray Valley (PM) v Hampton & Richmond Borough

Where next?

Another National League Weekend Starts Here! Another National League weekend has arrived and once again you’re not going to be able to take your eyes off the action.

Chorley Are Right In The Mix Now Says Thrilled Preece Andy Preece says it’s about time people started to respect his Chorley side who he believes are right in the title mix.