The FA Trophy First Rd Ties To Watch Out For This Weekend

By Sam Elliott

This weekend sees the battle for points swapped for the fight for places in the next round of the FA Trophy. The draw threw up some intriguing ties - here's our five to watch out for.

The first round kicks-off on Saturday lunchtime with a huge fixture in Derbyshire.

Chesterfield v Notts County

Just when fans feared there was a window some Christmas shopping, the football Gods pulled something special out of the hat.

What is it about cup competitions throwing up big matches in the early stages?

These two old foes met in late October, Chesterfield running out 1-0 winners live on BT Sport.
Notts need a pick-me-up, but things aren’t well for the Spireites either. The winner may get a season booster.

Dorking Wanderers v Bromley

Second tier clubs have been inspired in the FA Trophy, so what odds another having a run to Wembley?

Dorking have been promotion regulars since their formation, but a cup run has always alluded them. Could that be about to change?

Bromley like the Trophy and have a score to settle from two years ago. They won’t be overjoyed by the draw but it’s the National League title-chasers’ visit to Meadowbank is undoubtably one of the ties of the round.

Atherton Collieries v Barrow

It’s the age old question. Can you fight for the title and go all the way to Wembley?

Leyton Orient showed it is possible last season, but Barrow have a big hurdle to jump first. This isn’t the game Ian Evatt would have picked.

Atherton Collieries have won their last two games in the Northern Premier League but it general aren’t great at home. The Bluebirds will have to be at their best to remain fighting on both fronts.

Kingstonian v Woking

Sunday sees the Geoff Chapple derby. The legendary former manager’s two clubs collide in the competition the Cards’ supremo loves.

His old club are coming off the back of an historic FA Cup run, and Woking will need to be as professional as AFC Fylde were in the second round a few weeks ago.

Alan Dowson certainly doesn’t see the Trophy as a distraction and his team are sure to go full pelt despite their excellent National League position.

FC Halifax Town v Wrexham

The 2016 winners welcome the champions of 2013 looking to do it all again.

The Shaymen’s home form this season leaves a lot to be desired - but Wrexham themselves have just one away win to their name.

Something has to give at the Shay as both clubs look to end 2019 on a high.

Where next?

FA Trophy Thrills And Spills As First Round Comes To Life The FA Trophy took centre stage and it didn’t disappoint in a first round not short of excitement and upsets.
It’s The Home Kings Vs The Away Day Specialists! It’s getting on for 500 days since King’s Lynn Town last lost a home game.