Trinity won 2-1 away at Corby to book their place in the Second Qualifying Round. Goals coming from Lewis Butroid & Jonny Margetts in second half injury time. Meanwhile, the Pics were demolishing Atherstone by five goals to one. The sides go into this cup tie separated by three places and three points.
The Holy Blues sitting third in the table (joint top on goal difference), while sitting three places further back are Rushall who have picked up 13 points from their eight games so far. In the league, Rushall have had a solid start to life back at Step 3. Draws against Warrington Town (last time out) Hednesford and Stockton, show that the Pics are a hard team to beat. Their only defeat coming at home to the season's surprise package, Lancaster City. Rushall going down by three goals to two, at Dales Lane. Trinity drawing 0-0 with Lancaster at home.
This game is something of a re-run of last season's FA Trophy clash which saw the Holy Blues provide a cupset. Declan Howe grabbing Gainsborough's goals last time out. The Blues winning by two goals to one at the Kal Group Stadium.
Ian Long is the man in charge at Rushall Olympic, having taken over the side following their relegation from National League North. A vastly experienced manager, Long has seen extended service at Alvechurch. He also had a short spell at Walsall Wood, before their unfortunate
demise. Whilst at Alvechurch, he took the unfashionable side to the second round proper, in 2022, but the Trinity faithful will be hoping to make the opposition boss wait a little longer – to replicate the feats he achieved three years ago – as that would mean Trinity will have progressed!
Should the game finish all square at the end of proceedings, a replay will be required. The scheduled date for this is Tuesday 16th September. That means the scheduled fixture (at home to Whitby) will be rearranged for a date in the future. Russ and the lads will be hoping to get the job done on the day – rather than facing a trip down to Staffordshire for what would be the first of two trips in four days! Last season’s FA Cup first round opponents, Hednesford Town, await – a week on Saturday.
Ticket prices for Saturday's Emirates FA Cup clash are the same as for league games. Adults £13, Concessions £9 and Under 16s £4. Remember, we accept both cash and card at the turnstiles - so please bring a mate a long - the more of you there are - roaring on the boys - the bigger difference it makes. And together we can overcome anything! Season tickets are not valid for this fixture.
A full colour Matchday Programme, produced in association with our friends from Matchday Creative will also be on sale. Priced at £2.50 and packed full of information, articles & the inside track. CEO Matt Boles pays tribute to the man who leads us into his 100th game - and there are the thoughts of the man himself - Russ Wilcox. Support the Matchday Programme & buy your copy as a memento!
Elsewhere
Four teams are in league action as the other sides are involved in the FA Cup. Lancaster only needing a draw to go top of the early season table, while defeat at the Giant Axe could hand the advantage to Leek Town, who could also go joint top with a win away at Cleethorpes Town!
Cleethorpes Town vs Leek Town
Lancaster City vs Ilkeston Town
FA Cup Ties: Some interesting cup ties are scheduled for this weekend, with Bamber Bridge looking to spring a surprise against higher league opposition, when they travel to Fylde. Stocksbridge return to Dunston, where they triumphed in last season’s play-off final. A potential grudge match? Take a look at the other cup ties involving Northern Premier League, Premier Division teams, here:
AFC Fylde vs Bamber Bridge
Ashton United vs Scarborough Athletic
Coleshill Town vs Hednesford Town
Curzon Ashton vs Hebburn Town
Dunston vs Stocksbridge Park Steels
FC United of Manchester vs Chadderton
Hyde United vs Whitby Town
Morpeth Town vs Witton Albion
South Shields vs Guiseley
Free weekend: Stockton, Workington, Warrington Rylands, Warrington Town & Prescot Cables
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Tommy Cox, from the previous game between the sides.