Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round Preview

A look at this week`s cup ties involving Pitching In Southern Football League clubs.

The Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round takes place this midweek.

There are two ties on Monday evening involving teams from the Pitching In Southern Football League to kick things off.

And both are internal affairs, with Premier Division Central rivals Hitchin Town and Needham Market meeting at Top Field and Premier Division South pair Beaconsfield Town and Harrow Borough being paired together at Holloways Park.

Hitchin had a great start to the 2020/21 season, hammering Alvechurch 5-1 at home on Saturday in the opening league game of the season, while the Marketmen shared a 1-1 draw at the Trico Stadium against Redditch United.

In contrast, both the Rams and Boro suffered opening day defeats – Gary Meakin`s side at home to Poole Town and Steve Baker`s outfit 1-0 after their long trek to Truro City.

The majority of the ties take place on Tuesday night and there are a few Southern League clubs facing potential banana skins!

Premier Division Central side AFC Rushden & Diamonds welcome Midland League Premier Division Newark Flowserve to Hayden Road.

The ambitious Nottinghamshire outfit are unbeaten to date and possess some players who Diamonds will be familiar with, including much-travelled striker Craig Westcarr (left).

The 35-year-old former Chesterfield and Walsall man, who also played for both Nottingham Forest and Notts County, has also been with Boston United and Matlock Town in recent times, although Diamonds fans may remember him most for his 100-plus games for neighbours Kettering Town.

Former Gainsborough Trinity player-manager Liam King and big striker Bradley Wells are two more of Newark`s high-profile summer signings.

Diamonds` league rivals St Ives Town face a tricky trip to Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division Brantham Athletic`s Leisure Centre ground, with the Suffolk side also being unbeaten to date in 2020/21.

Premier Division South side Dorchester Town are another to have an awkward-looking away tie at Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) Premier Christchurch's Priory.

The Magpies started the new campaign with a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Weston-super-Mare, while their hosts won 3-0 at home to Horndean – their second league game and first win after drawing their opener.

A fascinating tie takes place at the Bee Arena where Premier Division Central side Peterborough Sports, who shared a 1-1 draw on Saturday with another fancied team, Tamworth, take on Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Enfield Town.

Andy Leese`s side started their season very well on Saturday, beating a Lewes team expected to feature in the promotion mix.

Town won 4-1 at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium.

Tuesday also sees some interesting all-Southern League match-ups, including Tamworth`s home tie with league rivals Stourbridge and another all-Premier Division Central pairing with Leiston hosting Biggleswade Town.

There are four ties being played on Wednesday, with an all-Division One South encounter between Highworth Town and Melksham Town and their rivals Moneyfields making the trip to the Meadow to take on Division One Central outfit Aylesbury United, who shocked one of the promotion favourites Corby Town on Saturday by beating the Steelmen 1-0 at Steel Park, while Moneys suffered a 2-1 away defeat to new-look Cinderford Town.

Another Division One South team in action on Wednesday are Larkhall Athletic, who shared a 2-2 draw at Bideford AFC on opening day.

They host unbeaten Toolstation Western League Premier Division neighbours Bitton AFC at Plain Ham.

Premier Division South side Metropolitan Police, who drew 1-1 at Imber Court on Saturday, face a potentially tricky test as they visit Combined Counties League Premier Division Sutton Common Rovers, who play at Vanarama National League club Sutton United`s Gander Green Lane.

Rovers have won two and drawn one of their three league games to date.