Something For The Weekend: The Must See FA Trophy Ties

The draw has thrown up a number of interesting games with Wembley getting closer and closer.

So we’ve picked out five second round ties you'll have to keep your eye on this weekend.

Kidderminster Harriers v Stockport County

Two in-form National League North heavyweights will clash at Aggborough on Saturday.

Kidderminster have some rich history in the FA Trophy having won the competition once and been a runner-up three times. They’re unbeaten in 14 League games and knocked holders York City out of the Trophy in the last round.

County are on the verge of the National League North play-offs and Kiddy will have to be aware of striker Jason Oswell who has scored for fun this season. Stockport have lost just once in 11 games so this one is too close to call.

Bognor Regis Town v Leyton Orient

Orient just about got past Haringey Borough in the last round and face another tricky trip to lower level opposition in Bognor.

The Rocks have found life in the National League South difficult this season but a longer FA Trophy run could be just the tonic. They won well at runaway Southern South West leaders Taunton in the last round and will have nothing to lose.

Justin Edinburgh has said that he sees the Trophy as a winnable competition for Orient and this is another game they will be expected to win. No goal in their last three National League games is a worry but they should have enough on Saturday.

Brackley Town v Barrow

An away trip to a club in the division below you who are pushing for promotion. Probably the worst Barrow could have asked for!

Kevin Wilkin has built an impressive, experienced squad at Brackley and it’s no surprise that they are third in the National League North. They’ve lost just three times in 25 League games and will fancy their chances at home.

Barrow sit just one place above the National League relegation zone but they will have been boosted by recent draws against promotion-chasing Wrexham and Tranmere Rovers. Two-time FA Trophy winners, the Bluebirds will need to be on their game to make it through.

Wealdstone v Hereford

A fascinating tie pitting an out-of-sorts, but always well supported, Wealdstone against surging Hereford.

The Stones’ play-off push in National League South has faltered in recent weeks and they’ve taken just a solitary point from their previous four games. They have some winnable fixtures coming up so a victory in the FA Trophy - a competition they won in 1985 - would give them much needed confidence.

Hereford are charging back up the leagues after reforming from the ashes of Hereford United. They’ve won 17 of their 24 Southern Premier games this season and had a good FA Cup run. They may be a league below Wealdstone but this will be a very tight one.

St Albans City v Harrogate Town

One of the form sides in National League South hosting one of the title contenders in National League North - yes, please!

St Albans have taken points from five of their last six fixtures and sit on the verge of the play-off places. A vital 2-1 win over Chelmsford City on Saturday will have given them plenty of belief heading into this big FA Trophy tie.

Harrogate missed the chance to go top of the National League North on Tuesday night, losing 2-1 at Nuneaton Town. Boss Simon Weaver will demand a reaction and free-scoring Town have enough quality to cause any team problems. This really could go either way.

FA Trophy Second Round Fixtures:

Ebbsfleet United v Warrington Town
Kidderminster Harriers v Stockport County
East Thurrock United v Chester
Bognor Regis Town v Leyton Orient
Brackley Town v Barrow
Weston-super-Mare v Workington
Billericay Town v Stourbridge
FC Halifax Town v Maidenhead United
Maidstone United v Heybridge Swifts
Dover Athletic v Marine
Gateshead v Boreham Wood
Wealdstone v Hereford
Sutton United v Hendon
Blyth Spartans v Bromley
Spennymoor Town v Solihull Moors
St Albans City v Harrogate Town

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