Tasty FA Cup derbies in prospect (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Tasty FA Cup derbies in prospect

4:00pm Sunday 8th July 2012 in Liversedge By Ian Whiting

The draws for the early rounds of the FA Cup with Budweiser have been made and there promises to be some big, local derbies.

First up is the extra-preliminary round on August 11 and that initial hurdle sees Silsden hosting Brighouse Town.

The other three local clubs involved at that stage have all been handed home advantage but face tough ties.

Thackley and Liversedge face strong Northern League opponents in Hebburn Town and West Auckland Town respectively, while Eccleshill United host Glasshoughton Welfare.

The clubs were promotion rivals in the Baris Northern Counties East Division One for most of last season but it was Glasshoughton who went up into the Premier Division after finishing as runners-up.

If Sedge are successful, they will be on the road for a preliminary round tie at either North Shields or Birtley Town, while Thackley will have home advantage again if they beat Hebburn as Ossett Albion are awaiting the winners.

Local interest will be highest for whoever wins the Silsden v Brighouse Town clash because the victors’ reward is a home tie against either Eccleshill United or Glasshoughton.

As an Evo-Stik Division One club, Farsley enter the competition at this stage and face a trip to Jorrow Roofing Bolden CA or, closer to home, Pickering Town.

Farsley would face Thackley in the first qualifying round if they both reach that third hurdle, while Silsden, Brighouse, Eccleshill or Glasshoughton would be at home against Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit North Ferriby United.

Sedge would be landed with anther away day in the North East if they were successful in their first two ties.

Winners of the extra-preliminary round will bank £1,000, while the prize-money for a victory in the preliminary round is £1,750.

A win in the first qualifying round would bring a windfall of £3,000, making a significant total of £5,750 for successfully negotiating the first three rounds.

Blue Square North Division clubs Bradford Park Avenue, Guiseley and FC Halifax Town are exempt until the second qualifying round.