IT'S Emirates FA Cup weekend again, and Farsley Celtic enter the competition at this first qualifying round stage, but the draw was unkind, pitting them at an Evo-Stik League Premier Division counterpart.

The Celts’ hosts are the Celts as Farsley are at Stalybridge Celtic, and to make things even more confusing the clubs will meet in midweek in the league - unless they draw at Bower Fold on Saturday – in which case they will meet in midweek for an FA Cup replay.

The clubs were three divisions apart last season but Farsley gained promotion, after finishing as runners-up in Evo-Stik Division One North via the play-offs, while Stalybridge were relegated from Vanarama National League North.

It has been a tough start to life in the lower league for the Bridge as they won their first game - 1-0 against North Cheshire rivals Nantwich Town - but then lost five consecutive games.

Farsley, on the other hand, sit fourth in the table after just one defeat in their opening six fixtures, but that was last time out - on Bank Holiday Monday at Shaw Lane, who won by the same 1-0 scoreline when they played Stalybridge.

The midweek game between the Celtics, be it a league fixture or a cup replay, will be at Throstle Nest.

There will be FA Cup football at Throstle Nest this weekend, however, as tenants Albion Sports host Hallmark Security League outfit Barnoldswick Town.

Barlick are mid-table after a mixed start with six points from four games but, like their hosts, they have battled through two rounds to reach this stage.

The Albion Lions will be licking their wounds, and boss Kulwinder Sandhu is expecting a reaction after a 2-0 loss in the league at Athersley Recreation in midweek.

Albion’s Toolstation Northern Counties East League rivals Liversedge are also involved and face a tough trip to Sunderland RCA (Ryhope Community Association), who are in the top tier of the Northern League.

Sunderland’s league form is good as they are currently fourth, while Sedge have also made a good start.

Jonathan Rimmington’s men are seventh in their division, defending an unbeaten eight-game start and are buoyant after a 6-0 win in the league in midweek.