FA Cup Preliminary Round: Non-League Clubs Chase Glory In The Early Round
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Blyth Spartans vs Morpeth Town: Regional identities collide in the Preliminary Round
The clash between Blyth Spartans and Morpeth Town has to be one of the eye-catching clashes in the Emirates FA Cup. This is a regional derby between two North East teams aiming to secure a positive outcome in the Preliminary Round and move on to the next stage.
With a population of 39731, Blyth Spartans are a recognizable name in this competition. The Northumberland outfit had one of the best FA Cup runs, 48 years ago, reaching the Fifth Round proper for the first time in their club history.
Progression to the next stage was halted when they were eliminated by Wrexham in front of a jam-packed St. James' Park. The object is quite simple this time around: replicate the same performance from the 1977-78 edition and go one step better.
Standing in their way is Morpeth Town, which has established itself as a competitive side against fellow non-league opponents.
In the previous edition, they managed to progress beyond the preliminary round and reached the second qualifying round, where Southport proved too tough an opponent to overcome.
The Highwaymen will hope to improve on last season's failures as they take on a familiar opponent in the early stages of this competition. Their record suggests they might just be able to come out on top, having avoided defeat in their last five outings against Blyth Spartans.
Morpeth Town's last five matches against Blyth Spartans:
- 17 September 2016: Blyth Spartans 2-4 Morpeth Town
- 16 July 2019: Blyth Spartans 2-4 Morpeth Town
- 15 December 2020: Blyth Spartans 0-0 Morpeth Town (awarded)
- 26 August 2024: Blyth Spartans 1-4 Morpeth Town
- 01 January 2025: Morpeth Town 0-0 Blyth Spartans
Runcorn Linnets vs Trafford: Can the visitors' experience against regional rivals pay off?
Runcorn Linnets and Trafford are also familiar names in the FA Cup, particularly in the early rounds. The two North West teams are dreaming of going further in this competition as they seek to make a memorable cup run.
Runcorn Linnets have become regular participants in this competition. Since their formation in 2006, the Cheshire outfit has made more than 20 appearances.
However, the 2025-26 edition remains their best FA Cup run. The Yellows reached the Third qualifying round but couldn't get the better of Buxton.
Trafford's experience against regional rivals could make them a dangerous opponent in this upcoming encounter. This is a side that's capable of producing strong cup performances.
Since their debut in the 1970-71 season, this is a side that has made more than 50 appearances to date, making them familiar faces in the FA Cup.
So far, they've reached the third qualifying round on numerous occasions, but the previous edition saw them fall short of achieving that feat. Their campaign came to an end in the second qualifying round after a 3-1 defeat to Nantwich Town.
This is the second time Tom Baker's men will get to cross paths with Runcorn Linnets in this competition. Their first meeting was in August 2022, and the North suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Extra Preliminary Round. Exacting revenge will be their main objective heading into this Saturday's competitive clash.
Atherton Collieries vs Irlam: Tough test for Irlam in the All-Non-League clash
The Dreams2Reality Stadium will host this all-non-league clash between Atherton Collieries and Irlam. The two teams have similar objectives entering this matchup, and that's to dream of a deeper run in the Emirates FA Cup.
Atherton Collieries have a rich history in this tournament, with their involvement dating back to the 1940s. The club has regularly featured in the FA Cup and have more than 30 appearances to their name.
Their campaign began in the Extra Preliminary Round and got the better of Barnoldswick Town after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory in the replay.
The Colls' best run in this competition dates back to the 1994-95 season, when they reached the third qualifying round for the first time in their club's history. Progression to the next stage proved difficult as they were eliminated by Guiseley.
Their opponents, Irlam, enter this clash following a decisive 3-0 victory over Hallam away from home, setting up a date with Atherton Collieries in this fixture.
This is undeniably one of their biggest tests of the season. As a developing non-league club, their opponents who boast more experience at a higher level than them. Despite this, they'll be determined to defeat an already established non-league opposition.
With a place in the First Qualifying Round waiting for the winner, both teams know that 90 minutes could define their FA Cup journey.
