AFC Telford United FA Cup Preview

AFC Telford United are the visitors to the Kal Group Stadium, as the Holy Blues begin their 2024/25 Emirates FA Cup campaign with a home game. Russ Wilcox’s Gainsborough Trinity welcoming Kevin Wilkin’s Shropshire based side to Lincolnshire on Saturday in the First Qualifying Round. A minimum of £3,375 prize money is up for grabs, for the winner of this tie. With a quick reminder that it’s not just the magic of the FA Cup in terms of the potential of drawing a big side come January’s third round stage, but the help it can give to teams at our level in terms of financial boosts. £20k in the coffers, just from prize money is there for teams that can navigate their way to the first round proper. A stage Trinity haven’t reached since the 2017/18 season. And we’ll park that one there.

Details

Telford, last season, were beaten Play-Off finalists in the Pitching In, Southern League Central, losing 0-1 at home to Leamington. They beat Mickleover in the Semi Finals, with the Derbyshire side subsequently being laterally shifted to the NPL. Both games being played at the New Bucks Head in front of 3,004 and 4,300 for the semi and final respectively.

This time around, the Bucks have had an up and down start to the campaign. Their most recent trip to Lincolnshire (in the league) saw them pick up all three points with a slender 1-0 win over Spalding United. Other games involving the Bucks of note, were a 5-1 defeat at home to Stourbridge and a 5-4 victory over Hitchin Town. Nine goals conceded at home perhaps points to something for Trinity to look towards exploiting , but the side from Shropshire, have goal threats of their own.

The Match

Admission to the game is priced at £13 Adults, £9 Concessions and £4 Under 16s. Cash/ Card payments are accepted at the turnstiles. Season tickets are not valid for this fixture. The gates open from 1:30pm. Getting there a little earlier and wanting to catch some of the game on the box? The Blues Club is open to both home and away supporters, showing all the main sporting action on TVs and big screens. A warm welcome awaits everyone.

Programme

The action packed Matchday Programme has plenty on offer, including Bryan Pye's excellent photos including the cover image of Joe Stacey and centre fold marking Javelle Clarke's return to competitive action. Bailey Conway is the player focus, plus articles from Steve Andrews, BBC Radio Lincolnshire's Dale Storey, Phil Anderson shares his View from Carlilse Street and Jamie Johnson in, Just Jamie adds his thoughts. There's a reminder about our upcoming event where we welcome Bruce Grobbelaar to Gainsborough for an After Dinner Event and the thoughts of boss Russ Wilcox, skipper Dylan Cogill, plus photos from the tribute paid to departing Gateman Bruce McGhie. All for the price of £2.50, and available on the turnstiles. Grab yours before they're gone!

Elsewhere

Emirates FA Cup ties featuring Northern Premier League sides, in full:

Guiseley vs Ashton United
Bamber Bridge vs Newton Aycliffe
Basford United vs Sporting Khalsa
Campion AFC vs Blyth Spartans
FC United of Manchester vs Hyde United
Workington vs Hebburn Town
Heanor Town vs Ilkeston Town
Lancaster City vs Barnoldswick Town
Leek Town vs Ashby Ivanhoe
Tadcaster Albion vs Macclesfield
Spalding United vs Matlock Town
Mickleover vs Coleshill Town
Morpeth Town vs Emely AFC
Newcastle Benfield vs Prescot Cables
Stockton Town vs Widnes
Warrington Rylands vs Thackley
Mossley vs Whitby Town
Stratford Town vs Worksop Town

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Bryan Pye (@bry_pyesport)