What Have We Got To Look Forward To This Weekend?

Two of our member clubs are flying the flag in the third round - and history will certainly be made.

That’s because of Sunday, AFC Fylde will become the first ever club from outside the EFL to play in a match controlled by VAR.

Jim Bentley has told his players to “embrace the challenge and leave nothing behind” as they head to Premier League Sheffield United looking to take inspiration from Barnet, who worked their magic at Bramall Lane last January.

First, Hartlepool United aim to rock flying Oxford United on Saturday - and manager David Challinor wants to give Pools’ big support a day to remember.

“We are going down to play against a really good team who are flying high and play on a really good pitch,” he said.

“It’s a game we’re looking forward to and we’re looking at it knowing it’s the FA Cup and anything can happen.”

But of course it’s not all about the FA Cup - the league action continues to come thick and fast.

You can’t take your eyes off the National League title race and the contenders are all back in battle.

Leaders Barrow haven’t lost since October - can Ebbsfleet United pull off something special at Holker Street?

In second are Yeovil and manager Darren Sarll is impressed by his side’s ability to bounce back and win after defeat. Can they storm ten points ahead of Solihull Moors with victory at Huish Park?

Bromley are third but face a big examination at Notts County, while Sutton United are the division’s in-form side - they head to managerless Chesterfield.

New Dagenham manager Daryl McMahon will have a watching brief as his team welcome Torquay, while Harrogate will up the heat on the others at the top with a home win over Maidenhead.

In the National League South, Wealdstone are title favourites - but the chasing pack appear to be refusing to throw in the towel.

The leaders have a tricky trip to Oxford City, while second-place Bath City welcome Billericay, who have only won once away from home all season.

Havant have games in hand are in great form - Paul Doswell and John Still ho go head-to-head with Maidstone visiting.

Steve King says we can judge Dartford’s promotion credentials after they have been to fourth-place Dorking Wanderers.

In the North, King’s Lynn Town haven’t lost at home since September 2018.

Spennymoor Town are looking to ensure that 2020 doesn’t isn’t as good at the Walks as the last 16 months.

Steve Watson says York City just need to keep winning - they face a tough trip to Southport.

Form teams Guiseley and Chester meet, they have both had a profitable festive period.

So have Altrincham and they travel to Leamington as Gloucester make the long trip to Darlington.

For all Saturday’s fixtures, click here.