An FA Cup third qualifying round who’s who of semi-pro clubs

It is very easy to forget that the FA Cup starts nine months before the final with the first preliminary qualifying rounds involving a whole host of semi-professional clubs, all of whom share a dream of progressing as far as they can, and playing their part in an albeit small slice of history.

The third qualifying round is upon us, so Coral take a look at a number of teams still left in who are facing replays, all hoping for a tie in the next round that could change their humble lives.

Warrington Town v Colwyn Bay
Warrington is a place more renowned for its rugby league, rather than its football, which perhaps is why Coral price their football club as 12/5 outsiders to overcome opponents Colwyn Bay, odds-on at 5/6 for victory, both in 90 minutes.

The home side finished third in the Northern Premier League Division One North last season, and during their short history have a number of cup wins to their names, including the Altrincham Cup (1954/55), and are three time Runcorn Challenge Cup winners (1965/66, 1966/67, 1968/69) to name a few. Colwyn’s star man is Barbados international player Louis Moss, who will land back in the UK 12 hours before kick-off after playing three games in six days for his country’s Gold Cup qualifying matches.

Manager Frank Sinclair said: “We will have to see how tired he is and if there is any jet lag. It may be asking a lot for him to be involved from the start, but he will be in the squad.”

Bromley v Grays Athletic
Bromley football club were first founded in 1892, and actually have three Amateur FA Cup wins to their names, coming in the 1910/11, 1937/38, 1948/49 seasons.

The Greater London club, who are odds-on favourites at 1/2 to beat opponents Grays Athletic in 90 minutes, have also won the London Senior Cup on five occasions in the 1909/10, 1945/46, 1950/51, 2002/03 and 2012/13 campaigns.

Opponents Grays, who are 4/1 to progress in 90 minutes have a rich history themselves in cup football, having won the FA Trophy in 2004/05 before retaining it the following season.