The Five FA Trophy R2 Ties To Watch Out For This Weekend

It’s not always the fancied and the favourites who get the big days out at Wembley!

This weekend, the Step 2 clubs join the party and many of them have history with the famous competition.

There’s plenty of great games to look forward to - and a large amount of same-division ties just to add to the excitement.

So which clubs will be fighting on all fronts heading into December?

We’ve picked five FA Trophy second round clashes to keep your eye on as the march to the Arch really gets going.

Hereford vs Kidderminster Harriers

You don’t need to tell anyone at these clubs how good it is getting to Wembley in the FA Trophy.

Kidderminster got to the 2007 final, losing to Stevenage in front of a huge crowd, and of course won it in 1987.

Hereford fell short in a remarkable final last year, AFC Hornchurch and Trophy king Mark Stimson wrecking their party.

It’s one of a number of all National League North ties, and it should be a cracker.

Cray Wanderers vs Ebbsfleet United

Fleet come up against a legend in the opposition dug-out but will want to wreck his day.

Cray are managed by Danny Kedwell, who hit 45 goals in 136 appearances for the club.

He isn’t loving the first few months of the season, the Kent club struggling at the foot of the Isthmian Premier.

Ebbsfleet are hurting themselves and will want to put defeat to Maidstone United on Tuesday quickly to the back of their minds this weekend.

Worthing vs Dorking Wanderers

Marc White’s Dorking are desperate to get to Wembley and showcase their rise from parks’ football to Step 2 inside 20 years.

But they couldn’t have asked for a tougher second round test against a strong Worthing team.

Top of the Isthmian Premier, the coastal club have won seven from nine at home this season and a big crowd is expected.

Dorking, of course, are no-one’s fools and have won five of their last eight matches.

AFC Fylde vs Gateshead

Two National League North promotion rivals take a break from the points graft as they get back on Wembley way.

AFC Fylde memorably defeated Leyton Orient in the 2019 final to get their hands on the FA Trophy.

Gateshead haven’t been since 2014, losing out to Cambridge United in the Promotion Final.

The Coasters, so strong at home this season, should Heed a warning. Mike Williamson’s men have won their last three away from home, and are on a four-game winning run.

Bath City vs Dartford

Steve King has shown in years gone by how much he loves a cup run.

As manager of Macclesfield, his team beat Cardiff City - and he enjoyed great times in charge of Whitehawk, too.

The National League South title is at the forefront of their mind but King has always wanted a big day out at Wembley.

Bath fans are never sure what side they’ll see at Twerton Park. Winning four and losing five at home, what will game ten bring?

FA Trophy Second Round draw in full:
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Marine
York City vs Blyth Spartans AFC
Farsley Celtic vs Stalybridge Celtic
Liversedge vs Lancaster City
Ashton United vs Guiseley AFC
Warrington Town vs Morpeth Town
Curzon Ashton vs Chester
Southport vs Darlington
Spennymoor Town vs Chorley
Radcliffe vs Tamworth
Matlock Town vs Marske United
AFC Fylde vs Gateshead
Whitby Town vs Nantwich Town
Gloucester City vs Kettering Town
Needham Market vs Welwyn Garden City
Hereford vs Kidderminster Harriers
Bishop’s Stortford vs Leiston
Leamington vs Alfreton Town
Braintree Town vs Bedford T / Potters Bar
Chelmsford City vs Cheshunt
Oxford City vs St Albans City
Felixstowe & Walton vs AFC Telford United
Brackley Town vs Boston United
Hemel Hempstead Town vs Stourbridge
Hungerford Town vs Welling United
Cray Wanderers vs Ebbsfleet United
Hanwell Town vs Enfield Town
Slough Town vs Havant & Waterlooville
Binfield vs Truro City
Bath City vs Dartford
Concord Rangers vs AFC Totton
Kingstonian vs Farnborough
Plymouth Parkway vs Hampton & RB
Canvey Island vs Tonbridge Angels
Eastbourne Borough vs Tiverton Town
Brentwood Town vs Dulwich Hamlet
Chippenham Town vs Uxbridge
Maidstone United vs Billericay Town
Wimborne Town vs Larkhall Athletic
Worthing vs Dorking Wanderers
Hartley Wintney vs Folkestone Invicta