From Altrincham to Haywards Heath – The NLP’s FA Cup preview

By Sam Elliott
After the excitement of yesterday’s draw it’s a case of actually being in it this evening as the majority of the FA Cup first qualifying round matches are concluded.
It’s not just pride at stake of course – there’s a cheque for £3,000 on offer for every successful club.
Ahead of Saturday’s ties, we caught up with Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson and he spoke of his determination to not become the weekend’s big story with Abbey Hey of the North West Counties League smelling blood.
They so nearly were. Chucking away a 3-0 lead, Hay nearly snatched victory at the death. The Alty boss was spitting feathers – and demands a response tonight.
The 3-3 draw led to an apology from the Robins manager and he has told his team in no uncertain terms that they must finish the job this evening.
“It was shambolic and totally unacceptable,” Parkinson fumed on the club’s website. “Abbey Hey were the better team and it sticks in my throat saying that.
“It has opened my eyes to one or two of them. There is no way in the world we should be going three goals up and allowing a team two leagues below to come back at us.”
Can fans’ club 1874 Northwich continue their great run and finish Mossley off?
Should they do that, they will host North Ferriby United from the National League North in the second qualifying round.
FC Romania, meanwhile, await the winners of Hayes &?Yeading United vs Maldon &?Tiptree at the SkyEx Stadium this evening.
Liversedge welcome Sunderland RCA with a trip to Scarborough Athletic and their new stadium the prize.
There’s a derby game with a lot riding on it as Wingate &?Finchley welcome Hendon after Saturday’s game ended 1-1 at Silver Jubilee Park.
Biggleswade Town and North Leigh know whoever gets through this evening faces a tough test at second place National League South outfit East Thurrock.
Harlow Town and Thurrock meet after the weekend’s 1-1 draw between the two Bostik Premier clubs at Ship Lane.
Mildenhall Town or AFC?Sudbury will win through to face Littlehampton Town or Chipstead in the next round.
Ramsgate make the long trip to Surrey to take on the Sarnies of Egham Town while Tunbridge Wells play Haywards Heath Town and Taunton Town hope to finish off plucky Tavistock once and for all.
Southern Premier Frome Town lie in wait for the winner of that match.