NPL clubs learn FA Cup first round fate

Marine revisited their FA Cup heroics of 2020/21 to again reach the first round, where they will face League Two side Harrogate Town. It comes after they registered a superb 1-0 victory away at National League side FC Halifax Town at the weekend, Louis White scoring the game’s only goal on seven minutes.

The other NPL team definitely in the first round are Worksop Town, who won by the odd goal in five against National League North side Boston United.

Their reward for that victory is a trip to League Two leaders Stockport County.

It’s the first time the Tigers have made it to the first round for more than 20 years.

The third NPL club still in the competition are Whitby Town, who earned a replay against National League South side Chelmsford City.

Whitby had led 2-0 on the road through Jacob Gratton and Junior Mondal, but were pegged back by two second half goals and will now welcome Chelmsford to the Turnbull Ground for a replay on Tuesday night.

Awaiting the winners of that replay are League One side Bristol Rovers.

First round ties will be played over the weekend of November 3/4/5.

Three other NPL clubs agonisingly missed out on reaching the FA Cup first round proper with defeats on Saturday.

Macclesfield went down 3-1 away at National League North side Alfreton Town, while an Ashley Hemmings brace saw Ashton United fall to a 2-0 defeat at Kidderminster Harriers

Leek Town did themselves proud against AFC Fylde, three divisions above them in the pyramid, equalising through Aaron Opoku early in the second half before eventually going down 3-1.

FA Cup first round draw:

Marine v Harrogate Town
Bristol Rovers v Chelmsford City or Whitby Town
Stockport County v Worksop Town

Photo credit: Darren Murphy