More Trophy Tales Sure To Be Written This Weekend

It’s a break from the chase for league points - with a big reward waiting under the Arch in May.

National League North and South clubs have reached plenty of finals in years gone by.

Anyone who wants to do the same this season will need to keep the scalps coming!

We’ve picked out our five Third Round ties to keep a close eye on this weekend.

Stockport County vs Grimsby Town

It’s safe to assume both these National League promotion contenders’ priority remains returning to the EFL.

But as they put the bread and butter of league action to one side, it should still be quite a contest.

Grimsby need some kind of a pick-me-up having lost six of their last seven.

County manager Dave Challinor has already tasted success - he lifted the FA Trophy of course with AFC Fylde when they beat Leyton Orient at Wembley in 2019.

AFC Fylde vs Solihull Moors

The Coasters of course know all about this competition.

Solihull Moors fancy a trip to Wembley this year, and Neal Ardley wants a third go at leading a team out at the National Stadium.

They have their work cut out in one of the ties of the round.

Fylde have won seven from eight at home in the National League North and Moors go into the game on the back of a long midweek trip to Eastleigh.

Cray Wanderers vs Dartford

Dartford should approach with caution - just ask their Kent rivals Ebbsfleet United.

Taking a big scalp in the last round, Danny Kedwell and his Cray team now want another to add to the list.

Dartford last weekend lost the National League South leadership for the first time.

They will want to nurse the hangover by getting back on track against the Isthmian League side with a big festive period approaching.

Tonbridge Angels vs Torquay United

Nothing quite says potential cup upset like a team underachieving visiting a lower ranked club.

Torquay United at least head to Kent on the back of a morale boosting win over Stockport County.

Now they have to take on another side in blue and it’s a reminded of when the Gulls stormed to the National League South title two years ago.

Steve McKimm’s Tonbridge want to make headlines and need to be at their best - they haven’t won since October against Billericay Town.

Truro City vs Dagenham & Redbridge

There’s a big banana skin to be avoided on Sunday.

Dagenham & Redbridge make the 12 hour round trip to Cornwall hoping the long journey proves profitable.

Truro have only lost one in eight at home and know where the net is.

Daggers manager Daryl McMahon is desperate to get to Wembley and wants his players to take their chance this season.

For all Saturday's FA Trophy fixtures, click here.