Alex Narey, editor
I really fancy Stockport County to go to Yeovil and cause more than a few problems. The Hatters have blown hot and cold in National North this year, but on their day they really have the strength and firepower to blow sides away and have won their last three games.
Jim Gannon’s men will view this as something of a free hit and County’s huge travelling support will not reflect the fact there are two divisions and 42 places between the two sides, although the bookmakers would tend not to agree with County priced as long as 6/1 to win!
I also think Billericay will spring an upset at Chesterfield. Martin Allen’s side have shown great resistance of late but they just can’t get over the line to bag a morale-boosting victory, and Ricay certainly have it in them to go to the Proact Stadium and advance through to the Second Round.
Jon Couch, news editor
In a week when the FA Cup first round takes centre stage, it’s vital not to let a few crucial matches in National League North go under the radar.
Two leagues separated Chester and Altrincham last season but these two famous club go head-to-head at the Deva Stadium tomorrow as the two in-form sides of the Northern division.
Chester, unbeaten in 11 matches, can go top with a win, while Altrincham will be hoping to continue the kind of promotion form which has earned Phil Parkinson the Manager of the Month award for October.
With Chorley in FA Cup action, their leadership in the North looks precarious to say the least with high-flying Bradford Park Avenue looking to capitalise when they go to Curzon Ashton, similarly Kidderminster Harriers from their trip to bottom club Nuneaton Borough.
It’s probably a bit early to describe any match as a “six-pointer”, but at the other end of the table, big guns Hereford and FC United will want to use this crunch Edgar Street clash as a springboard to climb the table.
Matt Badcock, chief writer
What isn’t there to love about FA Cup first round proper weekend?
Haringey Borough – the only club currently on White Hart Lane – kick-off proceedings this evening against AFC Wimbledon.
The Bostik Premier club deserve their moment in the spotlight and it is a fitting fixture for the live TV cameras.
Of course they will be hoping for a shock and there will no doubt be plenty. This hack is off to Aldershot Town‘s clash with League One Bradford City.
It’s the last tie the struggling Bantams would want. Bottom of their division, a trip to an Aldershot side who can really pile on the pressure when they are in the mood. It should be a good crowd at the Rec as Gary Waddock’s side look to be one of the Non-League clubs making headlines.
On Sunday there’s a whole host of games – don’t miss The NLP for previews – with more upset potential.
Salford City are favourites every week in the National League. It will be interesting to see how they go at Shrewsbury when the pressure is off.
Don’t forget about the FA Trophy. I’ll be keeping an eye on the outcome of South Shields and Hyde – the pair came up from Step 4 together last season and, with talent on the both sides, it should be a cracker.
