FA Cup Preview

This preview from NL's Sam Elliott:

The Enterprise National League North and South clubs are about to begin their FA Cup journeys with some intriguing ties in prospect.

The competition starts for 48 of our clubs this weekend, and of course one team in particular know exactly how important it all is.

Little did anyone at Macclesfield know what was around the corner this time last year.

The club went on to create one of the biggest FA Cup headlines in history when they defeated the holders, Premier League Crystal Palace, in front of a worldwide audience.

John Rooney’s greatest hour won’t ever be forgotten, but he has urged the hunters not to become the hunted - Redcar Athletic want to slay the Silkmen.

Darlington have a similar task after being drawn to play Northern League Redcar Town.

They aren’t the only team looking to avoid becoming the second qualifying round story.

Lower Breck lie in wait for Chester, who are struggling for result of a sudden and Phil Parkinson is demanding compete focus.

Leaders Hereford are also on the road to a lower ranked club - they’ll need to be cautious at Stafford Rangers.

There will be some all National League North ties as Morecambe meet managerless Southport, with AFC Telford United drawn to play Worksop Town, Marine and Radcliffe playing and Bedford Town on hosting duties against King’s Lynn Town.