Clubs learn FA Cup fate

The 2012 FA Cup is underway after the FA announced the draw for the Extra-Preliminary Qualifying round, the Preliminary Qualifying round and the First Qualifying round today.

While local big boys Everton and Liverpool will be dreaming of a Wembley appearance once they enter the third round proper draw in January, Bootle, Formby and AFC Liverpool will start their campaign as early as Saturday, 20 August.

All three will have home advantage for the games. Bootle FC will play nearby Wigan Robin Park, while Formby FC and AFC Liverpool will entertain Alsager Town and Runcorn Linnets respectively.

Should they win through, Bootle will face Woodley Sports. Formby would face a tie against Lancaster City and AFC Liverpool would face a tricky tie away to Mossley in the preliminary round.

The preliminary round will also introduce Prescot Cables FC to the draw. The Evo Stik side will face Warrington Town at home on Saturday 3rd September.

Skelmersdale United of the Evo Stik Division One will also enter at this stage, meeting Clitheroe in a difficult away tie. The prize, however, for Skelmersdale is huge.

If they were to defeat Clitheroe, neighbours Burscough would await them in the first round of the FA Cup. The tie would be highly charged after recent events saw Burscough’s owners move the club to a groundshare with Skelmersdale against the fan’s wishes.

Finally, Marine FC will join the draw at the first round stage, where they will travel to the winners of Osset Town and Witton Albion in the first game of what is hoped to be a long cup run for the Evo Stik Premier club.

Category: AFC Liverpool, Bootle FC, Formby FC, Marine FC, News, Prescot Cables FC, Skelmersdale