There's FA Trophy Semi-Final Spots On Offer Today

With the top six National League clubs and the holders all out, it's as open as ever with the prestigious silverware up for grabs after Gateshead's glory last season, pictured.

Could we see a new name engraved on the famous trophy, or will a club with real tradition step forward again?

Woking certainly hope that is the case. The Cardinals lifted the FA Trophy in 1994, 1995 and 1997 and if they do it again they will push ahead of Scarborough and Telford United to become the most successful side in the competition’s history.

But to do that, they’ll need to pass a big test on Saturday. Oxford City not only beat Forest Green Rovers to get to the quarter-final stage, but have held both the National League North’s top two to goalless draws in the past week.

Altrincham want to join the cluster of clubs sitting on three FA Trophy wins. After their success in 1977 and 1986, ending a near 40-year wait in May would be celebrated in Cheshire - but they couldn’t have asked for a much tougher tie.

A trip to rivals Rochdale awaits on Saturday in the first meeting between the teams this season.

Sittingbourne are the lowest ranked team left, but Aldershot Town would be foolish to think they’ve got lucky with the draw.

The Isthmian South East Brickies have seen off no fewer than six higher-league sides to reach the last eight, including a dramatic 1-0 win at Southend United in the last round.

They have also won 15 of their last 16 home league matches and Shots boss Tommy Widdrington said: “We all know how difficult this weekend’s match is going to be.”

Steve Morison has twice sampled FA Trophy glory as a player, winning the competition with Stevenage Borough in 2007 and 2009.

Now he wants to do it as a manager and Sutton United want to avoid becoming a story - it’s National League North outsiders Spennymoor Town this weekend.

Winning clubs netting £7,500 and losing clubs taking home £2,000.

Isuzu FA Trophy fixtures:
Oxford City v Woking
Sutton United v Spennymoor Town
Sittingbourne v Aldershot Town 12.30pm
Rochdale v Altrincham