by Garry Clarke
WARRINGTON Rylands 1906 have been handed probably the toughest of possible draws in the FA Cup extra preliminary round made today, with a short trip to Barnton to play 1874 Northwich on Tuesday 1st September.
The Townfield based club was top of the NWCFL table when last season came to a premature end, eight points ahead of second placed Warrington Rylands who they defeated twice during the 2019/20 season.
The winners will host Northern Premier League Clitheroe on 12th September.
The draw for the first two qualifying rounds of the FA Vase was also made with Warrington Rylands being drawn at home to NWCFL First Division Daisy Hill in the first round which is scheduled for 19th September. If successful they will host either Litherland RMYCA or Selby Town in the second round on 10th October.
It is not clear if spectators will be allowed to attend these games as per current coronavirus guidelines, matches will be played behind closed doors.
On the return of spectators in time for the first FA Cup fixtures, an FA statement read: “The FA is currently working closely with the Government on the return of spectators at football matches at FA National League System level.
“Unless the Government permits the return of spectators at football matches prior to the Extra Preliminary Round, matches in this round will be played behind closed doors, with no spectators in attendance.
“This position will be reviewed by The FA on an ongoing basis prior to each round of each Competition and updates will be provided as soon as possible.”
A request signed by over thirty MPs requesting fans are allowed to watch non league football below step 2 has been sent to the Government while an online petition started with the intention of securing the safe return of non league/grassroots football to secure the future of football at a local level has attracted over 10,000 signatures.
