AMATEURS DRAW BALLS FROM THE FAMOUS CUP BAG

Two listeners to Talksport Radio won the right to draw the famous balls from the bag today, to select the ties for the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. The draw was made live on radio this morning on the Colin Murray show. 26 teams from northern leagues and 38 from the south make up the 32 ties that will decide who competes next in this famous competition.  First played for in 1872, the FA cup is arguably the most recognisable trophy in the world. Former league teams playing in the lower levels of the pyramid dream of meeting Football League members in the first round proper.

Wrexham FC celebrating 150 years this year visit Macclesfield. Dorchester host Bristol Rovers, new to the Conference and Stockport County meet local rivals Chester City in a juicy north-west derby. Other ex league clubs in the draw include Gateshead, Kidderminster, Grimsby, Lincoln City, Halifax, Southport, Barnet and a dream tie for Aldershot against Torquay. 

Less glamorous members of this round include Barwell, Shortwood United, Willand Rovers, Concord Rangers and Greenwich Borough. Who knows where they might end up as they head for Wembley. Concord Rangers founded in 1967 first played on a Canvey Island beach in Essex and hence are known as the Beach Boys. Barwell come from near Hinckley, Willand is located near Exeter in Devon and Shortwood's home is in Nailsworth, Gloucester. They reached the first round proper last year eventually losing to Port Vale, so have a bit of form!

Having just won £7500 for club funds by winning in the last round, the next prize is £12500. Something to play for then.