Week 3: Preview
Fri 14th August 2026 | Match Previews | By Ben Wilkinson
The Isuzu FA Vase gets underway this weekend with plenty of our sides in action on the road to Wembley. In amongst that, there's a sprinkling of fixtures in all three divisions. Here's what's coming...
ISUZU FA VASE - 1st QUALIFYING ROUND
FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST
There are a couple of fixtures on Friday night to open the weekend, including an all-NWCFL tie. Daisy Hill host longtime Counties stalwarts Cheadle Town, who are now members of the Midland League Premier Division and have won one and lost one of their start to life in a new league. The Cutters are yet to taste defeat in normal time this season and despite the difference in Steps between the pair, they will be hoping for an early upset on home turf.
Elsewhere, there’s a Liverpool derby as AFC Liverpool travel to Woolton. It’s four defeats from four for the Non-League Reds so far this term and they are yet to notch in the goals for column, and they’re up against a Woolton side who haven’t lost yet, two wins from their opening two being followed up by a pair of draws as they look to gain promotion at the second time of asking. A win in the Vase could do wonders for confidence for either team as they look set to battle at opposing ends of the league tables.
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Appleby Frodingham vs Charnock Richard
Charnock Richard arrive in Lincolnshire after a mixed start to the season, with a win, a draw and a loss in their opening three encounters. They were dumped out of the Emirates FA Cup by Litherland REMYCA last weekend so are out to avoid a double early exit, and stand a good chance against Step 6 opposition on Saturday afternoon. Appleby Frodingham, known as the Steelmen, currently sit rock bottom of the Northern Counties East Division One, having lost all four of their league games to date with a goal difference of -14. This isn’t the Steelmen’s first rodeo against an NWCFL team as Nelson beat them 3-2 at this stage of the competition way back in 2012/13 - in fact, they are yet to win a game in the FA Vase at all!
Armthorpe Welfare vs Trafford
Trafford follow up on their successful outing over the Pennines last weekend with another trip east, this time to Doncaster to take on Armthorpe Welfare. Wellie, as their are affectionately known by their supporters, are sitting pretty at the top of the NCEL Division One, with 10 points from their opening four games. Trafford may well see themselves as favourites still but it doesn’t look like it will be an easy game.
Ashton Athletic vs FC St Helens
FC St Helens look to kickstart their season in a local derby away at Ashton Athletic. The Stripes have lost both league games so far and fell to a late goal in their FA Cup replay at home to North Ferriby during the week. Their opposition aren’t the easiest to break down though, Athletic have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games in all competitions, though the outlier was a 4-0 drubbing at Flixton in the Edward Case Cup last weekend.
Atherton LR vs Cammell Laird 1907
It’s another all-Counties tie at Crilly Park where Cammell Laird visit Atherton LR. Neither side has really got going this season and LR took a battering at the hands of Euxton Villa last time out, conceding six without response. Lairds have fared better, with a 2-1-1 record from their first four league outings, including a topsy-turvy 4-3 win at Flixton, where Adam Smith scored two of his four goals so far this season.
Barnoldswick Town vs Colne
It’s a local derby deep into east Lancashire here where Barnoldswick Town take on Colne. It’s been a couple of years since these two traded blows; Jude Entwistle’s late goal saw Colne take the points in a 3-2 win on Boxing Day 2024, though that season would ultimately result in relegation for the Reds.
Barlick curiously drew their opening hat-trick of games before falling 2-0 in a FA Cup replay against Atherton LR midweek whilst Colne have lost both league games to date, although they did thump Garstang 3-0 in the Edward Case Cup in between.
Boldon CA vs Longridge Town
Longridge have a third successive away trip as they trek up to the North East to face Boldon CA, a side top of the Northern League Division Two with five wins from six. The Ridge will hope to have enough to see off a Step 6 outfit but expect a tight game here with the hosts bang in form.
Cheadle Heath Nomads vs Wythenshawe Town
It’s a South Manchester matchup and a first competitive meeting between these two since February 2020 as Nomads welcome Wythenshawe Town. Town won 5-0 on that day six and a half years ago but it’s all change since then, and despite playing at a Step higher and having just come down from Step 4, Nomads will fancy themselves against their visiting opponents who have yet to get off the mark this term.
Dudley Town vs Alsager Town
Alsager have lost three games on the spin and come up against Step 5 opposition in the form of Dudley Town. The Robins have lost both of their Midland League Premier Division fixtures to date but will eye this fixture up as an opportunity to get their season back on track, whilst the Bullets will have to be at their best to bridge the gap and produce a cupset in the West Midlands.
Eccleshall vs Allscott Heath
Eccleshall have started the season strongly, beating Widnes Town 3-1 on opening day and edging out leaders Wolverhampton Casuals during the week; their only blemish to date being a 2-1 defeat at home to Barnton. It’s an inter-division clash at the Stoke Signage Stadium and it’s basement boys Allscott Heath who come to town, just 11 days after the last meeting between the pair - Eccy winning that one 4-0.
Flixton vs Worsbrough Bridge Athletic
Flixton make their FA Vase debut 16 years after the old club last played in the competition, and their first opponents are Worsborough Bridge Athletic, regular foes with NWCFL clubs in recent years, most recently last weekend when Trafford ran out 2-0 winners! Despite their middling league position, Flixton have been free-scoring so far and having enticed last season’s record-breaking Premier Division top scorer, Lewis-Simon Byrne, to drop a level, he has excelled and scored in every game he has played for the club.
Foley Meir vs Redditch Borough
Foley Meir have blown hot and cold so far, with a LWLW sequence to their name. They will hope to break that streak here against Hellenic League Division One outfit Redditch Borough. Redditch suffered a heavy 8-1 defeat in their first league game and have won one and lost one since then to leave them 14th in their 18-strong Step 6 division.
Kendal Town vs Steeton
Steeton haven’t been far away from goals this season, their four games thus far have produced 17 goals. Early defeats to favourites Daisy Hill and Holker Old boys have been put behind them with home wins against new-boys AFC Knowsley and most recently a 4-2 victory against Bacup Borough during the week. Frontman Joshua Coe is already on four goals for the season and he will be one to watch as the Chevvies travel to Step 5 opposition looking to cause an upset. The Mintcakes have already played six games this season, losing just one of those, an opening day derby defeat at Carlisle City in the Northern League Division One.
New Mills vs Northwich Victoria
New Mills opened their season with a stunning 6-0 win over Telford Town, with Solomon Richards and Luke Evans both scoring twice. Northwich Victoria, of the Step 5 Midland League Premier Division, will be a tougher test, but New Mills’ early form will give them plenty of confidence and belief that they can pull off an unlikely victory.
Retford vs Euxton Villa
Euxton Villa come into this tie with bags of confidence after hammering Atherton LR 6-0 last weekend and face a Retford side who are going well in the NCEL Premier Division, sitting 5th after 4 games. Retford played on Tuesday nugth whilst Villa have had a full week’s rest, that could prove to be pivotal in a game sure to be finely poised.
Route One Rovers vs AFC Blackpool
AFC Blackpool have a tough test against former NWCFL members Route One Rovers. Route Onr won 9-0 (nine) in their league outing last weekend and followed that up with a 5-3 victory in their league cup during the week, so are firing on all fronts and the Mechanics will need to try to curb this scoring spree if they are to harbour hopes of progressing to the next round.
Studley vs Market Drayton Town
Market Drayton got their campaign up and running at the third time of asking, beating Telford Town 1-0 on Tuesday after losing their opening pair. Their opponents and hosts on Saturday, Studley, have had a middling start to their season in the Hellenic League Division One and this could be a close-fought encounter.
Winterton Rangers vs Darwen FC
Darwen have impressed early on after just missing out on the playoffs in the spring, beating Maghull and Uppermill either side of a draw with Woolton. Their opponents on Saturday, Winterton Rangers, have had a mixed start, winning two and losing two of their opening four league games in the NCEL Division One, alongside an exit in the first round of their league cup during the week. It’s Rangers’ first matchup against an NWCFL side since 2022/23, when Prestwich Heys ran out 2-1 winners in the Second Round of this competition.
Other fixtures:
- Glossop North End vs Staveley Miners Welfare
- Irlam vs Barnton
- Maine Road vs Litherland REMYCA
- Sandbach United vs Ashby Ivanhoe
- Selby Town vs Bacup Borough
- Stafford Town vs Abbey Hulton United
- Telford Town vs Darlaston Town
- Wednesfield Community vs Sutton United
NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Burscough vs Droylsden
In a fixture curiosity, this will be the THIRD time these two play inside eight days! They followed up a 2-2 draw at Burscough’s Community Ground last weekend with a 3-0 Droylsden win in the replay at the Butchers’ Arms on Tuesday, meaning the visiting Bloods will be full of confidence as they look to inflict the Linnets first dropped points of their league campaign, whilst continuing their own 100% record. Burscough’s Callum Laird has scored in three of their four games whilst Droylsden’s Nellson Van already has two to his name.
Chadderton vs Nelson
Chadderton fell to Witton Albion in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend so their attention reverts back to the league campaign, and following a bright start they will be looking to return to winnings ways against Nelson in the first game between the pair since April 2023, when both were still plying their trade in the First Division North.
FC Isle of Man vs Ramsbottom United (18:00)
The late kick off on the Island sees two sides unbeaten in the league face off against one another. FC Isle of Man have yet to concede in the league, beating FC St Helens and drawing at Glossop North End, whilst Rammy shared the spoils at Litherland before toppling Trafford by scoring three without reply. Gareth Hill has scored a goal in every game so far this season - will he continue that run at The Bowl?
Elsewhere, Abbey Hey host Prestwich Heys.
FIRST DIVISION NORTH
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Garstang vs AFC Knowsley
Garstang have struggled again this term, losing all three league games and being turfed out of the Edward Case Cup at the hands of Colne. A first visit of AFC Knowsley to the Riverside may give them some respite, the newcomers also got off to a losing start before finally getting off the mark by beating Fulwood Amateurs on Tuesday night.
Holker Old Boys vs Ashton Town
Holker aim to make it four wins from five in their bright start to a 27th consecutive FIrst Division (North) campaign. The Stags’ next opponent is an Ashton Town side who’s leaky defence has cost them so far, conceding three in every game so far and falling to defeat on every occasion.
Uppermill v Maghull
Uppermill, using Mossley’s Seel Park as a temporary base whilst their own home is upgraded to Step 6 standards, haven’t had the best start to life in the Counties and have picked up just one point from their opening trio of league games. Maghull travel to east Manchester in fine form, sitting top of the division and with two three-goal victories in succession during the past seven days.
Also in the First Division North, Halewood Apollo go to Thornton Cleveleys and Fulwood Amateurs travel to Ashville’s Ray Parker Stadium.
FIRST DIVISION SOUTH
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Brereton Social vs Bilston Town
Brereton Social seek to continue their perfect start to life in the NWCFL against another new side in the form of Bilston Town. Both sides won 2-0 on opening day, but Bilston have lost twice to AFC Bridgnorth since then (one cup, one league) whilst Social have gone from strength to strength, knocking off first Alsager Town and then Dawley Town in the cup, both away from home. This marks their first NWCFL home game and another victory here would be the perfect way to mark such a milestone.
Dawley Town vs Wolverhampton Casuals
The Cassies have started superbly in their sophomore NWCFL season, winning their first three without conceding before a 2-1 reverse at home to Eccleshall during the week ended that run. They do still sit top of the tree though and next up for them is a trip to newcomers Dawley Town, who despite scoring 2 goals in every game so far, only have one point (and a cup exit) to their name. Cassies’ Kieran Cook heads up the divisional top scorer table with five goals already.
Elsewhere, AFC Bridgnorth take on Crewe and Widnes Town head south to Shawbury United.
Week 3: Preview
Fri 14th August 2026 | Match Previews
By Ben Wilkinson
The Isuzu FA Vase gets underway this weekend with plenty of our sides in action on the road to Wembley. In amongst that, there's a sprinkling of fixtures in all three divisions. Here's what's coming...
ISUZU FA VASE - 1st QUALIFYING ROUND
FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST
There are a couple of fixtures on Friday night to open the weekend, including an all-NWCFL tie. Daisy Hill host longtime Counties stalwarts Cheadle Town, who are now members of the Midland League Premier Division and have won one and lost one of their start to life in a new league. The Cutters are yet to taste defeat in normal time this season and despite the difference in Steps between the pair, they will be hoping for an early upset on home turf.
Elsewhere, there’s a Liverpool derby as AFC Liverpool travel to Woolton. It’s four defeats from four for the Non-League Reds so far this term and they are yet to notch in the goals for column, and they’re up against a Woolton side who haven’t lost yet, two wins from their opening two being followed up by a pair of draws as they look to gain promotion at the second time of asking. A win in the Vase could do wonders for confidence for either team as they look set to battle at opposing ends of the league tables.
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Appleby Frodingham vs Charnock Richard
Charnock Richard arrive in Lincolnshire after a mixed start to the season, with a win, a draw and a loss in their opening three encounters. They were dumped out of the Emirates FA Cup by Litherland REMYCA last weekend so are out to avoid a double early exit, and stand a good chance against Step 6 opposition on Saturday afternoon. Appleby Frodingham, known as the Steelmen, currently sit rock bottom of the Northern Counties East Division One, having lost all four of their league games to date with a goal difference of -14. This isn’t the Steelmen’s first rodeo against an NWCFL team as Nelson beat them 3-2 at this stage of the competition way back in 2012/13 - in fact, they are yet to win a game in the FA Vase at all!
Armthorpe Welfare vs Trafford
Trafford follow up on their successful outing over the Pennines last weekend with another trip east, this time to Doncaster to take on Armthorpe Welfare. Wellie, as their are affectionately known by their supporters, are sitting pretty at the top of the NCEL Division One, with 10 points from their opening four games. Trafford may well see themselves as favourites still but it doesn’t look like it will be an easy game.
Ashton Athletic vs FC St Helens
FC St Helens look to kickstart their season in a local derby away at Ashton Athletic. The Stripes have lost both league games so far and fell to a late goal in their FA Cup replay at home to North Ferriby during the week. Their opposition aren’t the easiest to break down though, Athletic have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games in all competitions, though the outlier was a 4-0 drubbing at Flixton in the Edward Case Cup last weekend.
Atherton LR vs Cammell Laird 1907
It’s another all-Counties tie at Crilly Park where Cammell Laird visit Atherton LR. Neither side has really got going this season and LR took a battering at the hands of Euxton Villa last time out, conceding six without response. Lairds have fared better, with a 2-1-1 record from their first four league outings, including a topsy-turvy 4-3 win at Flixton, where Adam Smith scored two of his four goals so far this season.
Barnoldswick Town vs Colne
It’s a local derby deep into east Lancashire here where Barnoldswick Town take on Colne. It’s been a couple of years since these two traded blows; Jude Entwistle’s late goal saw Colne take the points in a 3-2 win on Boxing Day 2024, though that season would ultimately result in relegation for the Reds.
Barlick curiously drew their opening hat-trick of games before falling 2-0 in a FA Cup replay against Atherton LR midweek whilst Colne have lost both league games to date, although they did thump Garstang 3-0 in the Edward Case Cup in between.
Boldon CA vs Longridge Town
Longridge have a third successive away trip as they trek up to the North East to face Boldon CA, a side top of the Northern League Division Two with five wins from six. The Ridge will hope to have enough to see off a Step 6 outfit but expect a tight game here with the hosts bang in form.
Cheadle Heath Nomads vs Wythenshawe Town
It’s a South Manchester matchup and a first competitive meeting between these two since February 2020 as Nomads welcome Wythenshawe Town. Town won 5-0 on that day six and a half years ago but it’s all change since then, and despite playing at a Step higher and having just come down from Step 4, Nomads will fancy themselves against their visiting opponents who have yet to get off the mark this term.
Dudley Town vs Alsager Town
Alsager have lost three games on the spin and come up against Step 5 opposition in the form of Dudley Town. The Robins have lost both of their Midland League Premier Division fixtures to date but will eye this fixture up as an opportunity to get their season back on track, whilst the Bullets will have to be at their best to bridge the gap and produce a cupset in the West Midlands.
Eccleshall vs Allscott Heath
Eccleshall have started the season strongly, beating Widnes Town 3-1 on opening day and edging out leaders Wolverhampton Casuals during the week; their only blemish to date being a 2-1 defeat at home to Barnton. It’s an inter-division clash at the Stoke Signage Stadium and it’s basement boys Allscott Heath who come to town, just 11 days after the last meeting between the pair - Eccy winning that one 4-0.
Flixton vs Worsbrough Bridge Athletic
Flixton make their FA Vase debut 16 years after the old club last played in the competition, and their first opponents are Worsborough Bridge Athletic, regular foes with NWCFL clubs in recent years, most recently last weekend when Trafford ran out 2-0 winners! Despite their middling league position, Flixton have been free-scoring so far and having enticed last season’s record-breaking Premier Division top scorer, Lewis-Simon Byrne, to drop a level, he has excelled and scored in every game he has played for the club.
Foley Meir vs Redditch Borough
Foley Meir have blown hot and cold so far, with a LWLW sequence to their name. They will hope to break that streak here against Hellenic League Division One outfit Redditch Borough. Redditch suffered a heavy 8-1 defeat in their first league game and have won one and lost one since then to leave them 14th in their 18-strong Step 6 division.
Kendal Town vs Steeton
Steeton haven’t been far away from goals this season, their four games thus far have produced 17 goals. Early defeats to favourites Daisy Hill and Holker Old boys have been put behind them with home wins against new-boys AFC Knowsley and most recently a 4-2 victory against Bacup Borough during the week. Frontman Joshua Coe is already on four goals for the season and he will be one to watch as the Chevvies travel to Step 5 opposition looking to cause an upset. The Mintcakes have already played six games this season, losing just one of those, an opening day derby defeat at Carlisle City in the Northern League Division One.
New Mills vs Northwich Victoria
New Mills opened their season with a stunning 6-0 win over Telford Town, with Solomon Richards and Luke Evans both scoring twice. Northwich Victoria, of the Step 5 Midland League Premier Division, will be a tougher test, but New Mills’ early form will give them plenty of confidence and belief that they can pull off an unlikely victory.
Retford vs Euxton Villa
Euxton Villa come into this tie with bags of confidence after hammering Atherton LR 6-0 last weekend and face a Retford side who are going well in the NCEL Premier Division, sitting 5th after 4 games. Retford played on Tuesday nugth whilst Villa have had a full week’s rest, that could prove to be pivotal in a game sure to be finely poised.
Route One Rovers vs AFC Blackpool
AFC Blackpool have a tough test against former NWCFL members Route One Rovers. Route Onr won 9-0 (nine) in their league outing last weekend and followed that up with a 5-3 victory in their league cup during the week, so are firing on all fronts and the Mechanics will need to try to curb this scoring spree if they are to harbour hopes of progressing to the next round.
Studley vs Market Drayton Town
Market Drayton got their campaign up and running at the third time of asking, beating Telford Town 1-0 on Tuesday after losing their opening pair. Their opponents and hosts on Saturday, Studley, have had a middling start to their season in the Hellenic League Division One and this could be a close-fought encounter.
Winterton Rangers vs Darwen FC
Darwen have impressed early on after just missing out on the playoffs in the spring, beating Maghull and Uppermill either side of a draw with Woolton. Their opponents on Saturday, Winterton Rangers, have had a mixed start, winning two and losing two of their opening four league games in the NCEL Division One, alongside an exit in the first round of their league cup during the week. It’s Rangers’ first matchup against an NWCFL side since 2022/23, when Prestwich Heys ran out 2-1 winners in the Second Round of this competition.
Other fixtures:
- Glossop North End vs Staveley Miners Welfare
- Irlam vs Barnton
- Maine Road vs Litherland REMYCA
- Sandbach United vs Ashby Ivanhoe
- Selby Town vs Bacup Borough
- Stafford Town vs Abbey Hulton United
- Telford Town vs Darlaston Town
- Wednesfield Community vs Sutton United
NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Burscough vs Droylsden
In a fixture curiosity, this will be the THIRD time these two play inside eight days! They followed up a 2-2 draw at Burscough’s Community Ground last weekend with a 3-0 Droylsden win in the replay at the Butchers’ Arms on Tuesday, meaning the visiting Bloods will be full of confidence as they look to inflict the Linnets first dropped points of their league campaign, whilst continuing their own 100% record. Burscough’s Callum Laird has scored in three of their four games whilst Droylsden’s Nellson Van already has two to his name.
Chadderton vs Nelson
Chadderton fell to Witton Albion in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend so their attention reverts back to the league campaign, and following a bright start they will be looking to return to winnings ways against Nelson in the first game between the pair since April 2023, when both were still plying their trade in the First Division North.
FC Isle of Man vs Ramsbottom United (18:00)
The late kick off on the Island sees two sides unbeaten in the league face off against one another. FC Isle of Man have yet to concede in the league, beating FC St Helens and drawing at Glossop North End, whilst Rammy shared the spoils at Litherland before toppling Trafford by scoring three without reply. Gareth Hill has scored a goal in every game so far this season - will he continue that run at The Bowl?
Elsewhere, Abbey Hey host Prestwich Heys.
FIRST DIVISION NORTH
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Garstang vs AFC Knowsley
Garstang have struggled again this term, losing all three league games and being turfed out of the Edward Case Cup at the hands of Colne. A first visit of AFC Knowsley to the Riverside may give them some respite, the newcomers also got off to a losing start before finally getting off the mark by beating Fulwood Amateurs on Tuesday night.
Holker Old Boys vs Ashton Town
Holker aim to make it four wins from five in their bright start to a 27th consecutive FIrst Division (North) campaign. The Stags’ next opponent is an Ashton Town side who’s leaky defence has cost them so far, conceding three in every game so far and falling to defeat on every occasion.
Uppermill v Maghull
Uppermill, using Mossley’s Seel Park as a temporary base whilst their own home is upgraded to Step 6 standards, haven’t had the best start to life in the Counties and have picked up just one point from their opening trio of league games. Maghull travel to east Manchester in fine form, sitting top of the division and with two three-goal victories in succession during the past seven days.
Also in the First Division North, Halewood Apollo go to Thornton Cleveleys and Fulwood Amateurs travel to Ashville’s Ray Parker Stadium.
FIRST DIVISION SOUTH
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Brereton Social vs Bilston Town
Brereton Social seek to continue their perfect start to life in the NWCFL against another new side in the form of Bilston Town. Both sides won 2-0 on opening day, but Bilston have lost twice to AFC Bridgnorth since then (one cup, one league) whilst Social have gone from strength to strength, knocking off first Alsager Town and then Dawley Town in the cup, both away from home. This marks their first NWCFL home game and another victory here would be the perfect way to mark such a milestone.
Dawley Town vs Wolverhampton Casuals
The Cassies have started superbly in their sophomore NWCFL season, winning their first three without conceding before a 2-1 reverse at home to Eccleshall during the week ended that run. They do still sit top of the tree though and next up for them is a trip to newcomers Dawley Town, who despite scoring 2 goals in every game so far, only have one point (and a cup exit) to their name. Cassies’ Kieran Cook heads up the divisional top scorer table with five goals already.
Elsewhere, AFC Bridgnorth take on Crewe and Widnes Town head south to Shawbury United.
