By Steven Oldham
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FA Cup qualifying draw pits local rivals in plum tie
Radcliffe‘s reward for a first win of the season last weekend in the FA Cup qualifying second round is a home time with Bury, who will be looking to add another name to their list of scalps in this season’s competition.
Bernard Morley and Antony Johnson’s side progressed on Saturday thanks to a 2-1 victory at fellow National League North side Warrington Town this weekend, while Step 5 Bury were upstaging NPL Premier side Blyth Spartans.
The Neuven Stadium will host the local derby – and it’s a case of ex-landlord vs tenant thanks to Bury’s merger with their phoenix club AFC Bury, who played home games at Radcliffe’s Neuven Stadium before the united club moved back to Gigg Lane.
READ MORE: FA Cup: Bury and Macclesfield spring 2QR upsets
It should be a fiercely-contested game between the nearby rivals – whose ground are separated by little more than three miles. The clubs have started the season in opposite fashion – with the lower ranked side unbeaten, while Radcliffe’s win on Saturday was their first of the campaign.
Wythenshawe Town to host Step 2 opponents
Rory Fallon’s Wythenshawe Town side are on their best ever FA Cup run, and their reward for dispatching Newcastle Benfield on Saturday is a home game against Step 2 side Farsley Celtic.
The Leeds side brushed off the challenge of fellow Yorkshire outfit Hallam by a 3-1 scoreline on Sunday and have made a strong start to their domestic campaign – sitting eighth in the NLN table at the time of writing.
Silkmen to play Witton Albion
Macclesfield demolished Step 2 South Shields at the weekend – and their reward is another home tie, this time against substantially closer opposition in fellow Cheshire residents Witton Albion.
Both members of the NPL – it will be Premier members Macclesfield defending against a Cupset here against Division One West representatives Albion, who progressed past Crook Town on Saturday.
Witton proved to be something of a thorn in Macclesfield’s side in their promotion-winning season from Step 4 – remaining undefeated and picking up four points against The Silkmen. Can they repeat this in the FA Cup?
All Step 2 clashes for Southport and Chorley
Familiar opponents await other National League North sides still standing in the competition – with Southport hosting Curzon Ashton, while Chorley will travel north-east to Spennymoor Town.
Southport progressed 2-1 past Hyde United on Saturday, while Curzon made their three-step advantage over Barnoldswick Town show in a 6-0 home win. Chorley were 3-0 winners at NPL Division One West side Mossley.
Chester will need to be wary on their trip to Stockton Town, who produced an upset win over Marine this weekend. The Seals were too strong for Hebburn Town at the weekend, emerging as 3-0 winners and if they are to progress further, another north-east side stand in their way.
Buxton navigate replay, uncertainty for Rylands
Buxton got it done at the second time of asking by knocking out lower-ranked Barwell 2-1 in their own back yard on Monday night. Long-serving striker Diego di Geralamo’s brace sent the Bucks through to face Kidderminster Harriers in the third qualifying round.
Warrington Rylands will play either Dunston or Scarborough Athletic at home – if they can beat Newton Aycliffe this week.
FA Cup qualifying dates & prize money
Winners of FA Cup qualifying third round matches will receive £5,625 in prize money, with losers collecting £1,875 for reaching this stage. Ties will be played on the weekend of September 28.
READ NEXT: The Big Non-League Interview: Sam Minihan: FA Cup qualifying: Radcliffe host Bury in 3QR
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