Trophy treats

This season’s FA Trophy competition, the 42nd in history, doesn’t start until October but the draw for the first couple of rounds has already been released.

There are 54 ties in the Preliminary Round, scheduled for 2 October, and even at this early stage four previous Trophy Finalists are involved.

Witton Albion’s Wembley clash with Colchester United in 1992 was watched by more than 32,000. The Albion have been handed a home draw in the Preliminary Round – to Sutton Coldfield Town. A win will take them to Cammell Laird on the Wirral in the First Round Qualifying two weeks later.

Of the other Finalists, who all lost their showpiece match at the old Wembley, Leek Town travel to Clitheroe – who also made to the Twin Towers in The FA Vase – Mossley are at home to Kidsgrove Athletic and Leatherhead welcome Enfield Town to Fetcham Grove.

Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest football club who celebrated their 150th anniversary three years ago, start this season’s Trophy campaign at Rainworth MW, Vase Finalists in the ‘80s. AFC Sudbury reached three successive Vase Finals, losing all three, and they now go to Merstham in The Trophy.