Your Full Buildbase FA Trophy First Round Preview

Woking have had a love affair with the FA Trophy, but it`s been eleven years since the Cards last managed a final visit when they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Grays Athletic at West Ham.

They virtually dominated the competition in the 1990s, winning it in 1994, 1995 and 1997 and standing between them and another attempt at reaching the final are National League rivals Maidenhead United.

And with Woking’s defeat at Peterborough United on Tuesday and their exit from the Surrey Senior Cup in the first round, tomorrow’s home tie represents the Cards last chance to put together a long run in a knockout competition.

It`s only just under a month since Woking played Maidenhead in a league game at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, with both sides sharing the points in a 1-1 draw.

Goalkeeper Nathan Baxter’s injury during a fine performance against the Posh, is clearly still a concern, and Anthony Limbrick has moved to secure the services of Bristol City’s keeper Jojo Wollacott on a month’s loan and he is expected to start against Maidenhead.

National League South promotion-chasers Truro City will be looking to cause an upset when they take on National League side Sutton United on the Gander Green Lane 3G.

The previous round saw the White Tigers chalk up a 3-1 victory at Bostik League South side Lewes to set up this tie against a Sutton side who are flying high in second place in the table.

“It’s another big Cup day for us that we are looking forward to,” manager Lee Hodges admitted. “We will go there and enjoy the occasion with no pressure.

“The lads are looking forward to testing themselves against one of the top sides from the level above, so we’ll see what happens.

“It’ll be tough on the 3G surface, but we will prepare in the right way and go there prepared to work hard and battle for everything.”

Truro`s last game saw them share the spoils with a 2-2 draw at Welling United last weekend, whilst Sutton were going down to a 4-1 defeat at struggling Leyton Orient, although despite this set-back, they have won four of their last six games.

One thing`s for sure, Sutton certainly won`t fancy a long midweek trek to deepest Cornwall for a replay!

Lee Andrews, manager of Evo-Stik League Premier club Workington AFC, is hoping for a change of fortune when National League Hartlepool United visit Borough Park tomorrow.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been on the winning side against Hartlepool and the first red card of my career was against them,” he said.

In addition to that bad omen, Pools haven’t lost in any of their last ten visits to Borough Park.

But the pre-match negativity ends there.

Andrews’ professional career ended over a decade ago and Workington’s last competitive fixture against Hartlepool was in 1977!

The Reds are hoping to cause a Trophy upset against a team thirty-six places higher than them in the Pyramid system.

Pools are still coming to terms with life in the National League. They are currently fourteenth with 31 points from their first twenty-four games.

And although recent results haven’t been to the supporters’ liking, Pools have done well on the road this season collecting points at Macclesfield Town (1-1), Guiseley (1-0), Wrexham (0-0), Leyton Orient (2-1), Woking (1-1), Solihull Moors (2-1) and Torquay United (2-0). They also recorded an FA Cup victory at South Shields (2-1) so go into their first ever Trophy fixture as clear favourites.

But the Reds squad, unbeaten in their last thirteen matches, are up for the challenge and are hoping that a rare appearance in the First Round is a memorable one.

Of the other ties:-

Solihull Moors VS Tranmere Rovers

All-National League encounter that will be fought to an end on Saturday as extra-time and penalties have already been agreed.

Micky Mellon`s visitors are looking for a decent cup run to get their season going.

Blyth Spartans VS AFC Telford United
Kidderminster Harriers VS York City

Two all-National League North ties with 1987 winners and three-time runners-up Kiddy looking to knock out the current holders, while Telford in its former guise won it in 1971, 1983 and 1989, so it`s been a long wait for any new Bucks fans.

Chorley VS Marine AFC

The National League North Magpies are in decent form and should have a little too much at Victory Park for the Evo-Stik Premier Mariners.

FC Halifax Town VS Macclesfield Town

All-National League encounter between 2016 winners Halifax and 1996 winners Macc, who top the table and will fancy their chances at The Shay.

Spennymoor Town VS Gainsborough Trinity

All-National League North tie that should go the way of fifth-placed Moors.

Chester VS AFC Fylde

Another tie that will be fought `to the death` with no replay agreed. Coasters enjoyed a good attempt of knocking out Wigan in the FA Cup on Tuesday and much will depend on how much that took out of them when they take on their National League rivals.

Wrexham VS Harrogate Town

Really interesting tie between the 2013 winners from the National League and a Harrogate side going all-out for promotion from the league below and are now also full-time. Could need a second game.

Leamington VS Stourbridge

National League North Leamington host a Glassboys side who have lost a bit of form of late in the Evo-Stik Premier – and may find the Brakes a little too much on the day.

Lancaster City VS Stockport County

Another really fascinating tie between Evo-Stik Premier City and National League North County, who are sure to be well supported at the Giant Axe.
It may be about time that the Cheshire side mounted a Trophy challenge.

Gateshead VS Guiseley AFC

This is another all-National League tie which will go to extra-time and penalties if it`s all-square after 90 minutes.

Nuneaton Town VS Barrow AFC

Boro have a poor Trophy record overall and Barrow have won the crown twice in 1990 and 2010. Can`t see history changing too much.

Haringey Borough VS Leyton Orient

The Bostik North side enjoyed a decent FA Cup run and will really fancy their chances against their out-of-sorts Essex National League neighbours.
Would be a big shock, but one that wouldn`t surprise me!

Dover Athletic VS Eastbourne Borough

National League South Boro travel along the south coast to Crabble to take on another National League outfit with an indifferent Trophy record.
Could be a second game on the cards here.

Wealdstone VS Wingate & Finchley

Bostik Premier Wingate take on the 1985 winners from the National League South and will give the Stones a game.
Wingate will do well to force a replay.

Billericay Town VS Havant & Waterlooville

Many will have this down as almost a cast iron home win for the ambitious Bostik Premier side. But the Hawks are a decent side and may well go through, although it may take a second game.

Chesham United VS Weston-super-Mare

Weston have lost their last two games in the National League South and the Evo-Stik League South Premier Generals will fancy their chances of causing an upset at The Meadow.

Whitehawk VS St Albans City

An all-National League South tie that looks hard to envisage anything other than an away win – if league form is to go by.

East Thurrock United VS Aldershot Town

The National League South side will give the National League Shots a tough test at home.
The Shots are another side who have not enjoyed a very good Trophy record – could this be the season though?

Hendon VS Bath City

Bostik Premier Hendon have enjoyed a decent season to date, although they were beaten last time out. Bath haven`t a great Trophy record but may just have a little too much for the Greens, maybe after a replay.

Ebbsfleet United VS Eastleigh

The two National League teams shared a 2-2 draw at Stonebridge Road in the league game back in October and this too may well be settled back at the Silverlake.

Torquay United VS Maidstone United

Torquay were beaten at Wembley by Ebbsfleet in 2008 and are just beginning to find a bit of form under new boss Gary Owers. May just have the edge at home.

Hartley Wintney VS Bromley

The Evo-Stik South East hosts are certainly a form side and hammered long-time leaders Moneyfields last time out. But the National League Ravens may just have a little too much knowhow for the Hampshire outfit.

Braintree Town VS Brackley Town

National League South v National League North and when they sides met in the FA Cup earlier this season, honours very much went to the Northamptonshire side 4-1 – but they were at home on that occasion. Home advantage could well be the key issue again.

Taunton Town VS Bognor Regis Town

A tie between the Evo-Stik South West leaders and a struggling National League South side and one that could well see the day`s biggest upset!

Hampton & Richmond Borough VS Heybridge Swifts

Another potential upset as Bostik North high-flyers travel to an in-form National League South Beavers, who may just have a little too much firepower at home for the Swifts.

Dartford VS Boreham Wood

National League South Darts will fancy their chances at Princes Park against a National League Wood side who have done well in patches this season.

Hereford VS Dagenham & Redbridge

Sunday`s tie sees the Evo-Stik League South Premier Bulls attempt to get themselves up again just three days after the disappointment of bowing out of the FA Cup to Fleetwood on Thursday night. May just be a little too much to ask and the National League side should progress.