FA Cup: Tough draws as non-league duo eye first round

Stourbridge and Hednesford Town will have to overcome tough opposition to reach the first round of the FA Cup.

Published Oct 7, 2019

Hednesford Town beat Blyth Spartans 4-2 in the third qualifying round (Picture: Colin Rogers)

The Glassboys have been drawn against National North outfit Gloucester City or Northern Premier high-flyers Whitby Town – who contest a third qualifying round replay last night.

Ian Long’s side have overcome three teams from the same level – Bromsgrove Sporting, Coalville Town and Stafford Rangers – to reach the fourth qualifying round.

Stourbridge overcame Stafford Rangers 2-1 in the last round (Picture: Alan Fogarasy)

Stour have reached the first round proper in five of the last 10 seasons, most famously beating Northampton Town on their way to the third round in 2016/17.

Meanwhile, Hednesford Town were first out of the velvet bag in the draw, which was conducted by former England midfielder Danny Murphy and commentator John Motson at lunchtime.

The Pitmen will have to overcome another National North side at home in the fourth qualifying round after being drawn with mid-table Boston United at Keys Park.

Gary Hayward’s team bridged the division gap between themselves and Blyth Spartans to win 4-2 in the third qualifying round on Saturday.

Hednesford last played in the first round in 2013/14 and got all the way to the fourth round in 1996/97 before losing 3-2 away to Bryan Robson’s Middlesbrough.