By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Phil Hill Bury vs Wythenshawe Town
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FA Trophy draw pits Linnets against Shakers
Runcorn Linnets will host Bury in the FA Trophy second qualifying round after knocking out Garforth Town on penalties.
Linnets won the shootout 4-1 over the NPL East side after the game had finished 1-1 at 90 minutes. Scott Bakkor had put the home side ahead on 29 minutes, but they were pegged back by Rinor Ejupi’s second half equaliser.
Brad Cooke’s side held their nerve in the resultant penalty shootout to secure a home time against Bury, who are competing in the FA Trophy for the first time.
READ MORE: FA Trophy: Clitheroe, Congleton spring surprises
The Shakers will hope their 3-1 weekend win over Wythenshawe Town will kick-start their season, having scored more in this game than four league matches to date.
Dave McNabb’s side were quick out of the blocks and had the game sewn up before the midway point of the first half. Two Gabriel Johnson goals and one from Kai Evans put them in firm control with the clock only at the 21 minute mark.
Danny Edwards pulled one back for the visitors after the break, but it’s an exit at the first hurdle for Town.
🥅⚽️ I LINNETS ADVANCE FROM THE SPOT
— Runcorn Linnets FC (@RuncornLinnets) September 6, 2025
Catch up on Scott Bakkor's goal alongside the penalties from today's FA Trophy victory against Garforth Town. pic.twitter.com/0bKqg8rMgy
Stalybridge at home again
Stalybridge Celtic will again enjoy home advantage after drawing a side on their travels once more, Lower Breck.
Jon Macken’s side were 2-0 winners over Trafford on Saturday, with Lower Breck winning by the same scoreline a day later at Pontefract Collieries.
Goals from Jack Irlam and Elliott Rokka sent Celtic through, while Sam Burns and Lewis Buckley were on target for Breck in their first match in the competition.
It’s the second time in three seasons Stalybridge have beaten Trafford at this stage.
Bears meet Clitheroe
There’s another all-NPL West clash for both Congleton Town and Clitheroe after both made it past divisional rivals at the weekend.
It’s another home draw for Congleton after their 3-1 win over Vauxhall Motors, while Clitheroe won by the same scoreline at Avro.
A Dan Needham brace and a late goal from the debuting Theo Stair was enough for Richard Duffy’s side to progress. Vauxhall’s goal came from Toby Jones to level the game.
Goals from Lewis Trickett, Leon Creech and Veron Parny sent Clitheroe through to the second round for the fourth successive campaign. Kyle Hawley netted Avro’s goal.
More North East opposition for Witton Albion
Witton Albion will play Dunston UTS – the third time they’ve drawn North East opponents in cup competitions this season.
They won through 3-2 against Bootle on Friday night. Joe Duckworth’s brace – including one from the penalty spot – and a Joe Edwards strike were enough to see them through.
Ben Hodkinson levelled the game for Bootle and Tom Owens’ late header offered the home fans some hope, but Witton progress.
Away day planned for Nantwich Town
Nantwich Town are on the road once again in the next round after being pitted against Silsden – conquerors of Atherton Collieries in the first round.
Meanwhile, The Dabbers were winning 3-1 at Ossett United – after playing over half the game with ten men.
Nantwich were already two to the good through Perry Bircumshaw and Byron Moore before two yellow cards in quick succession ended Ben Hockenhull’s afternoon on 41 minutes.
Despite conceding one before the break to Callum Petch, the visitors were able to soak up any pressure before adding a third through Alex Panter in the second half.
⚽️| A first goal of the season for Perry Bircumshaw on Saturday ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1nUuA1ao6N
— Nantwich Town FC (@TheDabbers) September 8, 2025
FA Trophy second qualifying round dates
Second qualifying round games will be played on the weekend of September 20th. No new clubs enter at this stage.
FA Trophy prize money
Winners of these games will take home £2,250 in prize money while losing clubs will collect £575 for making it to this stage. First round winners have already collected £1,500 for winning their initial ties.
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