Something For The Weekend: Must-See FA Trophy 3R Ties

It’s February, which means things are starting to get serious for a competition which allows players and supporters an opportunity they may not otherwise get.

Walking out at the National Stadium will be one step closer for the players of this weekend’s third round winners.

We have selected our three fixtures to look out for - and although lower league upsets for our clubs certainly aren’t being chased, there’s danger lurking around every corner.

So who will be taking their place in the quarter finals?

Payments from the FA’s Prize Fund for the successful club is £8,000 - with FA Trophy winners this year making £60,000.

Harrogate Town v Billericay

It’s fair to say many expect Billericay Town to be a National League member club next season.

Owner and manager Glenn Tamplin has put his money where his mouth is and promotion seems a formality already for the Essex club.

Some are tipping them to have a real stab at the FA Trophy, especially after they beat Havant in the last round. But National League North Harrogate aren’t going to roll over for the Bostik League leaders. This has all the makings of a classic.

Wealdstone v Warrington

The Stones fancy the FA Trophy this year. Their fans are right behind their campaign and are licking their lips at the prospect of playing in the famous ground a few miles down the road.

They will have to get to Wembley without the talented Abo Eisa, who completed his fantasies move to Championship-chasing Shrewsbury Town on transfer deadline day.

Paul Carden’s Warrington aren’t in the capital for a day out. The Evo-Stik NPL Premier club are well financed and beat National League Ebbsfleet United in the last round. They won’t be easy to get past.

Brackley Town v Sutton United

A team fighting for the National League North title vs a side going for the Football League. This has all the ingredients for a great game.

Brackley, under for Wrexham manager Kev Wilkin, are enjoying arguably their best ever season as they go for promotion to Non-League too flight. They are fighting on two fronts and totally outplayed Barrow over two games in the second round.

Sutton will know they are going to be in for a serious challenge. Manager Paul Doswell knows all about cup competitions of course but this time he doesn’t want there to be an upset in sight!

FA Trophy third round fixtures:
Harrogate Town v Billericay Town
Maidstone United v Gateshead
Maidenhead v Stockport County
Wealdstone v Warrington
Brackley Town v Sutton United
Dover Athletic v Leyton Orient
Spennymoor Town v East Thurrock
Workington v Bromley

PHOTO BY ANDY NUNN