FOUR TO FOLLOW | WEEKEND ACTION

The pick of the weekend action

This weekend sees a combination of Pitching In Southern League and Emirates FA Cup fourth round qualifying action.

Here’s our pick of the games:

GLOUCESTER CITY v HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER SOUTH
Both teams go into the game with just one defeat from their nine League outings so far this season as they look to bounce back from relegation at the first attempt. The hosts have won four and drawn one of their last five League games, whilst the visitors’ recent form has seen them win their last two home games 5-0 and 5-1 before succumbing to a 5-1 defeat at Sholing in their last game.

STAMFORD v BEDFORD TOWN | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL
The current top two go head-to-head. The hosts have lost two of their last three League games, including a 2-0 reverse at Kettering Town in their last outing. Meanwhile the visitors are on a three-game winning League run as they adapt well to life at the higher level following promotion at the end of last term. Only one point separates the teams going into this one as a hard-fought encounter is in prospect.

BRISTOL MANOR FARM v HELSTON ATHLETIC | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH
The home side have just one defeat from their six League games and face opponents who are yet to taste defeat in seven League games since securing promotion into Step 4 for the first-ever time at the end of last season. 11 goals from their last two League games mean that the hosts are in a rich vein of scoring form, whilst the visitors are fresh from a 4-1 away win at Tavistock AFC on Tuesday evening.

REAL BEDFORD v THAME UNITED | PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL
With just one defeat from their seven League games so far, the home team have done well since coming into the League this season, playing some attractive and entertaining football. They face opponents who have also displayed moments of attacking flair from a young and energetic team. This one has all the ingredients to be a thrilling encounter.

We send our best wishes to all of our member clubs who are taking part in the Emirates FA Cup this weekend where a place in the first round proper is up for grabs. There are some fascinating ties in prospect.

IMAGE: @towpath2013