FA Cup preview: Which Non-League sides are aiming for giant-killing glory this Saturday?

By Oliver Shorland

The FA Cup first round is here, and once again Non-League sides are hoping to pull off giant-killing feats against Football League opposition.

Forest Green Rovers kick start the action tonight against Luton Town, before 34 ties take centre stage on Saturday.

For some, it’s a chance to ignite their season and spark belief, while for others, it’s an opportunity to write their name into FA Cup folklore.

Oliver Shorland breaks down every clash tomorrow involving the underdogs, highlighting form and what could decide each tie as the hunt for giant-killing glory begins.

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Saturday FA Cup fixtures (Kick off times 3pm unless stated otherwise)

AFC Wimbledon v Gateshead

Gateshead make the long trip down to south-west London to take on AFC Wimbledon. 

Alun Armstrong’s Heed overcame Isthmian Premier Division side Aveley to make it to the first round proper and will be looking for an upset to spark their season into life. 

Wimbledon are defying expectations in League One this season, sitting pretty in sixth place after 14 games, but they should expect a firm challenge against Armstrong’s men. 

York City v Barnsley

An all-Yorkshire affair will see York City take a cross county trip to Oakwell to face off against League One Barnsley. 

Last year’s National League bridesmaids beat fellow title contenders Rochdale for the right to be here earlier this month. 

Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane has the Tykes sat mid-table in a congested race for the League One play-offs, but will be hoping for a first cup run of his managerial career. 

Blackpool v Scunthorpe United

Scunthorpe United make the journey over the Peak District as they take on Blackpool this Saturday. 

Unbeaten in their last seven games, the Iron will be looking to add a cup run to their title-challenging form in the National League after overcoming King’s Lynn Town in the fourth round of qualifying. 

After tasting victory in his first game as Blackpool manager, Ian Evatt will be hoping his good start will continue in FA Cup action. 

The Seasiders should be wary, though, as they’ve only kept two clean sheets in all competitions so far this season. 

Boreham Wood v Crawley Town

Boreham Wood play host to Crawley Town as they look to make a splash in the FA Cup first round. 

Wood manager Luke Garrard has his side right in the midst of a title fight in the National League despite defeat to Forest Green Rovers on the weekend. 

Meanwhile, Crawley are languishing second bottom in League Two, so Garrard will be hoping to make hay while the sun shines this Saturday. 

Brackley Town v Notts County 

Kick off at 5:30pm live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer & TNT Sports 3 

Brackley Town welcome Notts County in the evening kick-off in front of the TV cameras.

Sitting in 17th place in the National League following last season’s National League North promotion, boss Gavin Cowan will be hoping for an upset win to add another feather to the Saints’ cap. 

It won’t be easy, however, as they come up against a stiff opposition in the form of a Notts County side who haven’t lost in five games. 

Burton Albion v St Albans

St Albans City make their way up to Burton to take on the Brewers at the Pirelli Stadium. 

Despite the two being separated by five divisions, expect St Albans to still provide a tough test for Gary Bowyer’s Burton, as they haven’t lost in eight matches. 

However, St Albans will be without their manager Ian Culverhouse, who left the club in the week to join struggling King’s Lynn. 

Buxton v Chatham Town

An all Non-League matchup will see Chatman Town take on Buxton at The Tarmac Silverlands Stadium. 

It looks set to be a good fight, though, as neither team has lost in their last seven games. 

Cambridge United v Chester

Chester will swap the River Dee for the River Cam this weekend as they travel down to take on League Two Cambridge United. 

Calum McIntyre’s Chester side should look to exploit a Cambridge team who haven’t kept a clean sheet in six matches. 

The Seals boss will look to ignite something for his side on Saturday after drawing six of their opening 13 league games. 

Chelmsford City v Braintree Town

Kick off at 12pm live on TNT Sports

Chelmsford City will face Braintree Town in this Essex derby, pitting the National League South side against a National League outfit.

Don’t expect this one to go the distance, though, as there hasn’t been a draw in the last three times these two teams have faced off. 

Fourth from bottom in the National League, Braintree boss Steve Pitt hopes a cup run will bring in vital revenue as he faces former Iron manager Angelo Harrop, whom he once assisted at Cressing Road.

FC Halifax Town v Exeter City

FC Halifax Town play host to Exeter City at the Shay Stadium this weekend as the Grecians make the long trip up to Yorkshire. 

Halifax currently sit just outside the play-offs in the National League this season, but will be hoping for a win on Saturday to act as a springboard for the rest of their season. 

Pretty assured defensively, Halifax may find Gary Caldwell’s Exeter hard to break down with the League One side fresh off last week’s Devon derby victory over Plymouth Argyle. 

Grimsby Town v Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United have their sights set on stopping Grimsby Town from having yet another cup run after their Carabao Cup heroics came to an end at the hands of Brentford on Tuesday. 

Middle of the pack in the National League South, Ebbsfleet will look to go on somewhat of a cup run themselves with a win on Saturday. 

However, they should be wary of the Mariners’ recent FA Cup run, which saw them reach the quarter-finals of the competition, not long in the memory. 

Macclesfield v AFC Totton

Macclesfield welcome AFC Totton to the Leasing.com Stadium on Saturday in a National League North vs South clash.

Totton, flying high in their debut season, have conceded in each of their last six games, raising questions over their defence.

Reading v Carlisle United

National League outfit Carlisle United will make the long trip down to Berkshire to take on League One Reading. 

Mark Hughes’ side are well in the race for the National League title, sitting in third place after 16 games.  

Unbeaten in five, Carlisle come into Saturday’s game in fine form; however, they have lost their last two contests against the Royals. 

Slough Town v Altrincham

Altrincham are still chasing their first win under interim boss Neil Gibson as they host Slough Town on Saturday.

The Robins have struggled for consistency early in the season, while Slough have leaked 15 goals in their last five matches.

A strong showing at home could provide the perfect springboard for Altrincham to turn their season around.

Spennymoor Town v Barrow

Spennymoor Town welcome Barrow AFC to the north-east as they push for promotion from the National League North.

Graeme Lee’s side have struggled for goals since netting six against Merthyr Town, suffering defeats to AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers.

With just 15 goals conceded so far this season, Barrow will provide a tough defensive test for the Moors.

Sutton United v AFC Telford United

AFC Telford will travel down to London to take on Sutton United this Saturday. 

Chris Agutter’s Sutton are rooted to the bottom of the National League after a poor start to the season that saw the recent arrival of the former Worthing boss following Steve Morison’s departure.

Meanwhile, Telford find themselves in the middle of a congested mid-table battle in the National League North but will be hoping to capitalise on the U’s poor form. 

Wealdstone v Southend United

In an all National League affair, Wealdstone will play host to Southend United on Saturday. 

Despite the difference in league position, it was Wealdstone who got one over the Shrimpers with a 3-2 victory earlier in the season. 

Southend boss Kevin Maher will be hoping to get one back on the Stones this Saturday by making it through to the second round for the first time in over ten years. 

Weston-super-Mare v Aldershot Town

Aldershot Town will make a trip to the seaside to take on Weston-Super-Mare this weekend. 

The Seagulls are flying in the National League North, sitting in second place and look assured defensively, having conceded just nine goals so far this season. 

They’ll provide a tricky test for the experienced boss John Coleman in his first game in charge as Shots manager this Saturday. 

Wigan Athletic v Hemel Hempstead Town

Hemel Hempstead Town make the long trip up to Lancashire to take on Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium. 

The Tudors are going well in the National League South, sitting fourth in the table, just six points shy of the top. 

However, Ryan Lowe’s Latics will be hoping for a cup run to inspire their fans after a lacklustre start to the season. 

READ MORE: Which Non-League sides will feature in the FA Cup First Round Proper TV coverage?