FOR a second consecutive year, the season for the area's three clubs on step five of the pyramid begins with an Emirates FA Cup tie on Saturday.

The draw has been kind to Thackley and Albion Sports as they are both at home, but Liversedge are on the road.

However, Sedge are heading to a club a division below them in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League set-up.

Jonathon Rimmington’s men journey to Armthorpe Welfare, hoping to avoid another extra-preliminary round exit.

Sedge fell at the first hurdle last term 5-2 at home against Guisborough Town.

The Dennyboys also suffered defeat to a strong Northern League side last term when they went down 2-0 at Newcastle Benfield.

On Saturday they host NCEL Premier Division rivals Harrogate Railway Athletic.

The Rail had home advantage against Albion last season but Kulwinder Sandhu’s Lions brought the tie back to Throstle Nest after a 1-1 draw, thanks to Danny Facey.

But the Rail won the replay 3-0, with Bradford-born Steve Bromley bagging a brace.

Albion host Nelson, with the Lancastrians being Hallmark Security League Division One counterparts of Silsden, so are a step lower on the non-league ladder.

Some of the NCEL Division One sides are in league action, and both of the local representatives have away games.

Campion journey to Rossington Main, and James Bicknell’s men will be looking for retribution after losing 2-0 at Main last term.

Eccleshill United face a sterner test in Leeds against a Yorkshire Amateur side that have been strengthened by a plethora of close-season signings.