FA Cup journey begins with extra prelims
The new season may only be less than a week old, but a number of Black Country and Staffordshire sides are set to begin their FA Cup campaigns this weekend.
Despite it being mid-August, the first round of matches of this season's competition take place with dozens of teams looking to win their extra preliminary round games.
For each club involved there is much-needed prize money to be won with victory earning them £1,500 as well as a place closer to the official qualifying rounds beginning in September.
And there is huge excitement in the Black Country with two sides, who are less than 15 miles apart, set to face each other in what is arguably the world's greatest cup competition.
Wolverhampton Casuals will make the short trip to AFC Bridgnorth in a bid to reach the tournament's preliminary round which will take place in a fortnight's time.
Despite losing 3-2 in their West Midlands League opener to Dudley Town, Casuals manager Mark Holdcroft is confident his players will relish the occasion.
He said: "These matches are what the FA Cup is all about. It's always exciting to be part of. It's great for the young lads we've got here.
"They are used to watching the FA Cup on the television and now they will get to compete in it.
"Any extra money we can get is great for the club so hopefully we can get the win to progress. I am confident of the players' ability."
AFC Bridgnorth go into the game after securing their first league win of the season on Tuesday night by beating Haughmond 2-0 with two second-half goals.
Elsewhere, Tipton Town will be hoping for a sweet passage into the next round when they take on Worcestershire side Cadbury Athletic.
After an unsettling few seasons on and off the field, Tipton boss Paul Totney said: "Pre-season has been a bit up and down.
"We had games which were all good work outs and gave me a chance to have a look at many players and some of the youth team squad.
"We believe the players we have on board also relish the challenge ahead and have the right attitude and ethic that's required to take the club forward."
Walsall Wood travel the other side of the Midlands to take on Hinckley AFC.
Cannock-based side Heath Hayes meet Alvechurch away from home and Gornal Athletic take on Bromsgrove.
As is FA Cup tradition, the first stage of the tournament sees some wonderfully-named sides in action.
As well as Cadbury Athletic, other sides competing include Leicester Nirvana, Shaw Lane Aquaforce, Coventry Sphinx and Penistone Church.
