The weekend's action kicks off on Friday night at the Community Ground in Burscough where the free-scoring Linnets take on high-flying Cammell Laird 1907 in what is arguably the tie of the round. Burscough will be favourites as the Step 5 side but Lairds come into this clash full of confidence and with every belief that they can pull off a cupset in the Macron Cup's opening tie.
Abbey Hey v Atherton LR
Abbey Hey have struggled to date in the league but will hope for some respite as they welcome Atherton LR in an all-Premier Division clash in the Macron Cup. LR have won six of their opening eight league games and sit 4th in the table, but did lose 6-0 away at Daisy Hill last time out in the Lancashire Challenge Trophy. These two actually met in the FA Vase two weeks ago, LR running out 4-0 winners at their Crilly Park home in that one.
Bacup Borough v Thornton Cleveleys
It's an all-First Division North matchup at the Brian Boys West View Stadium. Bacup sit 12th in the division whilst Thornton Cleveleys are flying in 3rd place with 26 points. The visitors arrive in stronger league form, but cup ties often level the playing field.
Crewe v Brereton Social
Two clubs new to the NWCFL make their Macron Cup debuts on Saturday afternoon. These two are both lower mid-table in the First Division South so this could be an evenly-matched encounter at The Excel.
Droylsden v Chadderton
It's a local derby at the Butchers' Arms as Chadderton make the short journey to Droylsden. The Bloods are early pacesetters in the Premier Division, winning 7 of their 9 league games whilst Chaddy are six points further back in 6th position. The hosts will fancy themselves to continue their rich vein of firm whilst the visitors look to return to winning ways after falling to defeat in their last two matches.
FC Isle of Man v Widnes Town
FC Isle of Man make their first cup appearance in a number of years with a home tie against newcomers Widnes Town. The Ravens sit 10th in the Premier Division with only two league defeats whilst the visiting Widnes Town are bottom of Division One South and are still searching for their first league win, making the hosts strong favourites at The Bowl.
Flixton v Uppermill
An all First Division North clash between two new member clubs at Valley Road. Fourth-placed Flixton will be heavy favourites in this one as they host bottom-side Uppermill. With 31 goals scored already, Flixton will be confident of continuing their impressive start to life in the NWCFL and will again look to Lewis-Simon Byrne as an outlet, the striker scoring two hat-tricks in his last two games and already has 13 to his name for the season!
Foley Meir v Wolverhampton Casuals
Fourth-placed in the First Division South Wolverhampton Casuals travel to Foley Meir, who are 13th in the same division. The visitors have won six of nine league matches and carry the stronger form but Foley will hope to make home advantage count at the Trentham Foods Stadium. The Cassies' Kieran Cook is the division's top scorer with 9 goals already under his belt.
Sandbach United v Alsager Town
It's a local derby at Sandbach where Alsager come to town looking to cause an upset. The 'Bach are top of the First Division South whilst the Bullets are currently 19th after just one win from their opening 10. These two will become very familiar over the next few weeks as they also play in the league next Saturday!
Stafford Town v Bilston Town
Two form sides face off against each other as it's second vs sixth in the Division One South for this cup tie. Both have enjoyed strong starts and this looks one of the most competitive ties of the round.
Other fixtures:
- Barnoldswick Town v AFC Blackpool
- Charnock Richard v Longridge Town
- Cheadle Heath Nomads v Ramsbottom United
- Daisy Hill v Barnton
- Eccleshall v Shawbury United
- Fulwood Amateurs v Colne
- Market Drayton Town v Allscott Heath
- South Liverpool v FC St Helens
- Squires Gate v Euxton Villa
- Wednesfield Community v Dawley Town
- Woolton v Ashville
