NPL clubs could get bye in FA Cup first round

By James Gordon

The four remaining NPL clubs in the FA Cup have an extra reason to make it through to the first round proper.

It's the fourth qualifying round this weekend, and following the unfortunate demise of Football League club Bury, the FA has confirmed that one team will receive a bye straight to the second round.

The bye will go to whoever is last out of the hat in the first round draw, which will take place on Monday live on BBC2 (7pm).

The draw numbers have been confirmed, and the numbers to look out for involving NPL clubs are:

49 - Gateshead or Colne
51 - Whitby Town or Stourbridge
53 - Nantwich Town or King's Lynn Town
58 - Notts County or Belper Town

All four of the above ties take place this Saturday.

The draw, which will be conducted by Karen Carney and Jermaine Beckford, will be broadcast live from the home ground of either Royston Town or Maldon & Tiptree, depending on which side is victorious on Saturday afternoon.

The 32 non-League clubs that progress from this weekend’s fourth round qualifying ties will be joined by 47 clubs from Leagues One and Two.

The First Round Proper is scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 9 November with winning clubs collecting £36,000 from The FA prize fund.

Where next?

FA Cup fourth round qualifying preview Four NPL clubs are dreaming of reaching the FA Cup first round proper this weekend.
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