Hartlepool enter the competition, while the Holy Blues have already gone through three rounds in the competition. Away wins at Corby Town & Dunston UTS sandwich a home win against Rushall Olympic. All scores so far have ended 2-1 in favour of the Blues... Can Russ' boys make it four wins on the spin, in the world famous knockout competition?

Two vastly experienced Management Teams are set to go head to head for a place in the draw for the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper on Saturday 11th October, when Russ Wilcox’s Gainsborough Trinity take on Simon Grayson’s Hartlepool United. Gainsborough’s Wilcox is beginning his second full season in charge of the Holy Blues, whilst Grayson was appointed in June of this year, following spells in the Indian Super League & Nepal Premier Division.

These stints in Asia followed on the back of an extensive Football League Managerial career where he spent time at Blackpool, Leeds United & Preston North End, amongst others. Simon made well over 150 league appearances for Leicester City, predominantly as a right back, and helped his side to League Cup success, in 1997.

Again, he made well over 100 appearances for Blackpool, before stepping into his first managerial role. As a boss, Grayson led Blackpool to the Championship through the League One Play-Offs. He repeated the feat again in 2010, as he took Leeds up via the Play-Offs, at the second attempt. It's fair to say, Grayson certainly had the ability to earn teams promotion from the third tier of English football. Guiding Huddersfield Town (2012) & Preston North End (2015) back to the Championship!

Since his return to England with Trinity’s visitors on Saturday, Grayson has found life tough at Hartlepool. His side with one win in ten, most recently tasted defeat away at York City on Saturday. A lot of draws in the last ten indicate that Grayson has got the defensive side to his team functioning, but a lack of goals will be of concern for the Monkey Hangers. And surely that will act as a cause for optimism for Russ Wilcox’s Cup Kings, looking to cause an upset.

Wilcox, six years Grayson’s senior, will be looking to continue his fine recent record in the cups, that has seen the Holy Blues labelled the Cup Kings. In just two campaigns, Wilcox has already led his side through seventeen cup games, with well over half of those games coming in the Emirates FA Cup!

A familiar face to some of the Trinity faithful, was the Pools’ loan goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright. The Hull City youngster excelled during a short stay at the Northolme, when Matt Yates picked up an injury away at Basford United. Hartlepool announced late last week that Cartwright is expected to be out for an extended period of time, opting to bring in Millwall youngster George Evans, as his replacement.

This looks set to be an enthralling FA Cup encounter that pits David against Goliath, boasting all the hallmarks of a fascinating cup clash, so why not grab your tickets online. And save yourself some time in the queues ahead of the game. Remember to purchase your tickets in the right end - as this is a segregated fixture and any supporters to be found in the wrong end, will be ejected – and will not be entitled to a refund. Tickets are priced at £15 Adults, £10 Concessions & £5 for Under 16s, and can be purchased online, here. Or on the gate.

Turnstiles are due to open from 1.30pm. Our supporters club, The Blues Club is opening from midday ahead of the game, to both home and away supporters – and again after the game. Televised games are shown on the big screens throughout the day, so please pop in and sample the atmosphere. Away supporters will not be able to gain access to Blues Club during the game, due to the segregation in place.

Match Sponsors

We have been overwhelmed with the number of groups and individuals that have expressed an interest in our Hospitality & Match Sponsorship packages for this weekend's game. And we extend a warm welcome to nearly thirty Sponsors for the game.

Gold Match Sponsor - Harry Watts & Away Travel
Silver Match Sponsor - Dave Laughton
Bronze Match Sponsor 1 - Eddie Clark
Bronze Match Sponsor 2 - Jordan's Grass Cutting
Match Ball 1 - Graham Gunn
Match Ball 2 - Malcolm Barrett
Match Ball 3 - Josh Ayres' Family

Thank you for backing the Holy Blues & here's hoping the result goes in our favour & you enjoy an incredible afternoon!

Elsewhere

Elsewhere on Saturday, there is one other FA Cup tie featuring a side from the NPL – and that’s Hyde United away at Enterprise National League Tamworth. Other than that, there are lots of games going on in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, meaning another game in hand for Russ Wilcox’s Holy Blues to catch up on in the coming weeks.

Take a look at the fixtures that may affect our league placing, here:

Ashton United vs Whitby Town
Bamber Bridge vs Rushall Olympic
Cleethorpes Town vs Prescot Cables
FC United of Manchester vs Hebburn Town
Guiseley vs Ilkeston Town
Leek Town vs Lancaster City
Stocksbridge Park Steels vs Warrington Town
Warrington Rylands vs Morpeth Town

Words, Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media) Images, Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)