Just two semi-professional clubs are representing the area in the FA Cup on Saturday and neither has been fortunate enough to land a home tie in the second qualifying round.

Until Bradford City join the competition in the first round proper, Guiseley and Thackley are keeping local interest alive. The Lions head to the north Wales coast to take on Colwyn Bay, while the Dennyboys travel to the north east to face Ashington.

When the draw was made it was an either/or for GUISELEY as Colwyn Bay had a tricky replay at Marine. The Lions knew they were to concede home advantage in the tie but also realised they would be tagged favourites.

Following last season’s championship-winning heroics, they are now a division higher than Evo-Stik League rivals Colwyn and Marine.

The Lions have quickly adapted to life in Blue Square Bet North and last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Gloucester City consolidated fifth place in the table.

Guiseley director and spokesman Stuart Allan said: “Once the draw was made we knew we had to go to the west coast, so we have had time to prepare properly.

“Squad-wise we have been lucky so far because we haven’t had any real injury problems, just the usual bumps and bruises.

“Liam Needham took a knock late on at Gloucester and had to come off but it was nothing serious and he has had a week to recover.”

Saturday’s game may be Guiseley’s first foray into the competition this term but THACKLEY have already seen off Stokesley and Marske United.

They have since won three league games on the trot and manager Dave Morgan and assistant Graham Clifford are sure to have done their homework.

“Before the Marske game we went up and watched them and got a bit of background information,” said Clifford.

“We knew they would come to our place with a big band of travelling supporters and be hard to beat. But winning that one put us in a good frame of mind and we couldn’t wait for our next tie.

“The biggest problem we have had is selecting a team around all the injuries and suspensions we have had but, as we have said before, we have 20 players who are all the same standard and are capable of interchanging.”