This weekend see’s a number of fantastic matches ahead as the FA Cup dominates the local scene, so if you’re looking for a game to go to why not choose one (or more) of these listed below?
Tonight, Notts County take on Alfreton Town in the FA Cup first round proper. The Derbyshire non-leaguers are bringing a sell-out away section to Meadow Lane for an under the lights kick off at 7:45pm.
The Magpies are favourites to go through to round two but Manager Stuart Maynard may shuffle his playing pack slightly not to intrude on his main objective to gain promotion from League Two this season, Notts are two leagues above Alfreton who play in the National League North but a tough opponent is guaranteed, Billy Heath’s side gave Walsall a scare in last years FA Cup second round and they’ll be aiming to reach the second stage of the competition for only the fourth time in their history.
On Sunday, Mansfield Town have been given a tough away draw to another National League North side in Curzon Ashton, a game which will be a 2pm kick off in the North West.
Back in blighty, Nottingham Forest take on West Ham United Trentside on Saturday with limited tickets available. Interestingly it’ll be the Hammers first league game outside London this season as all their fixtures have been played home and away in the capital.
The Reds will be looking to go as high as third in the Premier League if results go their way and Nuno’s men do their job to take all three points.
In the Northern Premier League on Saturday, Basford United travel to Warrington Rylands whilst Worksop Town are even further north at Workington, where they were held to a 3-3 draw last season.
Worksop are currently second in the division but ten points below leaders Macclesfield, Basford are eleventh and are taking on a team eight places and eight points below them.
In the NPL East Division this weekend eighth placed Carlton Town travel to Newton Aycliffe who are tenth, Sherwood Colliery in fifteenth are also on the road as they head to Dunston who are below Carlton in ninth.
Closer to home, some United Counties Premier Division North games to enjoy, as leaders Eastwood travel the short distance to Heanor Town in an enthralling looking derby game in Derbyshire.
Newark Town, going well in third host Shirebrook Town at the YMCA whilst Hucknall Town host Sleaford Town at Aerial Way, both matches are 3pm kick offs.
In the Cup, the UCL Knock out competition second round has Kimberley MW host Eynesbury Rovers at the Stag, whist Newark & Sherwood take on Clay Cross Town at their temporary home in Harrowby (Grantham).
On Sunday, AFC Mansfield host Rugby Borough in a 3pm kick off at the Forest Town Arena and a packed weekend of cup action concludes with Notts County women hosting Sporting Khalsa women at Eastwood whilst Forest women travel to Boldmere St Michaels from the West Midlands.
Friday 1st November: FA Cup Round One: Notts County v Alfreton Town (7:45pm).
Saturday 2nd November: Premier League: Nottingham Forest v West Ham United (3pm). Northern Premier League: Warrington Rylands v Basford United (3pm), Workington v Worksop Town (3pm). Northern Premier League East Division: Dunston v Sherwood Colliery, Newton Aycliffe v Carlton Town. United Counties Premier Division North: Heanor Town v Eastwood Community, Hucknall Town v Sleaford Town, Newark Town v Shirebrook Town. United Counties KO Cup Round Two: Kimberley Miners Welfare v Eynesbury Rovers, Newark & Sherwood United v Clay Cross Town (3pm). United Counties Division One: Blackstones v Selston (3pm), Gedling Miners Welfare v Dunkirk (3pm), Holwell Sports v Clifton All Whites (3pm), Rainworth Miners Welfare v Staveley Miners Welfare (3pm), Retford v Radford (3pm), Sandiacre Town v Clipstone (3pm), Southwell City v Retford United, Stapleford Town v Coalville Town (3pm), West Bridgford v Pinxton (3pm).
Sunday 3rd November: FA Cup Round One: Curzon Ashton v Mansfield Town (2pm). Women’s FA Cup Round One: Notts County v Sporting Khalsa (2pm), Boldmere St Michaels v Nottingham Forest (3pm). United Counties KO Cup Round Two: AFC Mansfield v Rugby Borough (3pm).
*Article provided by Daniel Peacock (Editor).
*Main image @Official_NCFC the City Ground and Meadow Lane both in action this weekend.
