AFC Telford Vs Nantwich Town

Telford begin this season’s FA Cup campaign with a second qualifying round tie against Nantwich Town at the New Bucks Head.

The Dabbers finished 4th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division last season, subsequently succumbing 4-1 to Warrington Town in the playoff semi-final. And the Cheshire club look like they’ll be in and around the promotion picture again.

Nantwich won their opening three games this campaign before then losing their next three league games. However, a 3-1 home win over Grantham Town in the first qualifying round has seen the Dabbers progress in the FA Cup, while last weekend saw the Cheshire side score three goals in six minutes to record a seemingly improbable win over Scarborough Athletic – Nantwich were 2-0 down with 16 minutes to go.

Former Northwich Vics boss and Shrewsbury Town assistant Dave Cooke is the man in charge at the Weaver Stadium. And Cooke’s squad includes former Bucks Sean Cooke, James Lawrie, Ben Harrison and player/coach Steve Jones. Joe Malkin leads the way with four goals.

Nantwich were knocked out at this stage of last year’s competition, losing 1-0 at Blyth after drawing 3-3 in Cheshire. The Bucks meanwhile, overcame Bedford Town 3-1 this time last year before exiting the competition in the next round at Warrington.

Gavin Cowan’s men have conceded three goals in each of their last four home games so will be looking to put in a solid defensive display next weekend. And after the highs of last season’s FA Trophy campaign, the Bucks will no doubt be after another similarly good cup run this season.