FA Trophy Tales: But Where Will All The Big Upsets Arrive?

By Sam Elliott

There’s a National League break upon us this weekend - but there’s no rest for those chasing silverware.

The FA Trophy second round is here and there’s plenty of good games to get out and see this Saturday.

Wrexham and Leyton Orient meet again and while there are no points to play for, both fans know a bit Wembley rival will be dumped out if they make it through.

While it’s safe to assume both clubs have bigger fish to fry, the chance to restore confidence after recent set-backs needs to be taken.

It’s not just the FA Cup pairing together big hitters. This is the FA Trophy tie of the round as the two National League title rivals slog in out in north Wales.

Barnet of course are going great guns in both competitions. They look to FA Trophy progress at home to Southern League Dorchester to their incredible FA Cup run.

Boreham Wood got to Wembley of course in the Promotion Final and Luke Garrard says he wants to go back.

But the boss will know many will pick out their trip to in-form Blyth Spartans are a potential upset.

After knocking the stuffing out of a young Aldershot in the last round, Bedford Town are chasing another big name casualty - they go to Chesterfield.

John Sheridan takes charge of his first match since returning and wants to get the fans onside early with a winning start.

Biggleswade Town are also headline chasing as they go to AFC Fylde looking to cause a huge shock.

Sutton United didn’t expect to be playing this weekend but they’re back in after last year’s finalists Bromley were expelled.

Paul Doswell has demanded his side made the most of their second chance but winning up at Spennymoor Town.

There’s an all National League North affair as two teams who have been to Wembley recently get the chance to swap stories.

Brackley Town, holders of course, go to Edgar Street to take on Hereford - FA Vase finalists just three years ago.

Dover and Harrogate have jobs to do at either end of the National League table but both fancy a final - they meet on the Kent coast.

AFC Telford know what a lift a run in the completion could provide and they’ve got a cracking away day to look forward to at Hartlepool United.

Oxford City finally managed to complete their game at Maidenhead in midweek and their patience paid off.

Now Mark Jones fancies an FA Trophy run after years of good work in the FA Cup - the Nomads are at managerless Maidstone United.

Salford City wouldn’t say no to walking out at Wembley - but they have to get past Dagenham with Peter Taylor saying he is taking the competition very seriously.

Hemel Hempstead aren’t going to have it their own way when Step 3 Wingate & Finchley pitch up at Vauxhall Road.

Truro City make the long trip to Stockport County knowing they are playing Jim Gannon’s team at totally the wrong time.

The 2016 winners FC Halifax want to re-create the spirit of three years ago but they have an awkward draw at home to Tim Flowers’ Solihull Moors.

Saturday’s FA Trophy second round fixtures:
AFC Fylde v Biggleswade Town
Barnet v Dorchester Town
Blyth Spartans v Boreham W
Carshalton Ath v Salisbury
Chesterfield v Bedford
Dover Ath v Harrogate Town
FC Halifax Town v Solihull Moors
Hartlepool v AFC Telford
Hemel Hempstead v Wingate
Hereford v Brackley Town
Maidstone United v Oxford City
Ramsbottom U v Weymouth
Salford City v Dagenham
Spennymoor v Sutton United
Stockport County v Truro City
Wrexham v Leyton Orient

Where next?

Hawkridge Experience A Welcome Addition For Moors Boss Flowers Tim Flowers is hoping new signing Terry Hawkridge can add a steady hand to the Moors' promotion push.
Preview: Saturday's National League North Programme We're down to just seven games in the National League North this week but no shortage of fireworks!

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