We all know how the FA Cup is the place where our favourite Non-League clubs get to shine. So which teams can look forward to trying to recreate the exceptional result that Guiseley somehow produced in the first round?
All eyes will be on AFC Fylde as they entertain Wigan Athletic in the second round at Mill Farm. Dave Challinor’s team are currently languishing in the mid-table region of the National League, and it’s hoped that they continue their run of FA Cup strong performances on 1 December.
Hereford will definitely be hoping to put on a good show as they travel to Fleetwood on 2 December. The side had to rely on John Mills to score a well-deserved winner against Telford United in the first round, and Hereford have been showing some great form recently, so there could be another chance of a real upset.
Slough Town face a tough challenge against Rochdale on 4 December. Whilst they have the home advantage, it’s clear that Rochdale will be keen to use the second round match to take the pressure of their miserable League One fortunes.
Anyone interesting in backing a true underdog should definitely keep their eye on Oxford City as they travel to Notts County on 2 December. Whilst it will be a tough challenge to get a winning result at Meadow Lane, their previous first round away win against Colchester shows that they can travel well and they could be a good outside bet if you check the opinions of the experts at the Stratabet website.
Boreham Wood fans will get to enjoy a big clash on when they meet Coventry on 3 December. Playing a FA Cup second round match at the impressive Ricoh Arena will definitely be a career highlight for many of the National League side’s stars. And it’s hoped that they can perform well under the pressure and give us another result like their first round 2-1 victory against Blackpool.
Non-league fans should also keep an eye on Gateshead who entertain Luton Town on 3 December. Steve Watson’s side have always played under the shadow of their more famous neighbours, but with the encouragement of a comprehensive first round win against Chelmsford City, they could definitely be a side to watch.
Who could forget that dramatic clash between Maidstone United and Cheltenham in the FA Cup first round at the start of November. With six goals and a couple of red cards, it was keenly fought affair that saw Maidstone emerge victorious. And so it remains to be seen how well the team will perform when they travel to MK Dons for a tough FA Cup second round encounter on 2 December.
But it will undoubtedly be Guiseley who will really deliver the most heart-stopping moments when they take on Mansfield Town on 3 December. Whilst it remains to be seen whether they can provide another David versus Goliath moment, it’s sure to be another thrilling encounter for the non-league side.
