Northern Premier League side Stafford Rangers stand between Skelmersdale United and a place in the First Round Proper of the Emirates FA Cup.

It's an intruiging tie and although Stafford will start as favourites, Manager Paul McNally will be happy with the draw as it avoids any National League sides.

Stafford sit two league's above McNally's side and enjoyed an upset 3-1 victory over National League North side Hereford on Tuesday. They have kept their best football for the FA Cup, as in the league they sit second from bottom with just a solitary point from four league games. 

That is one point more than Skelmersdale have managed so far though, as their FA Cup exploits this season has seen them not play a single league game yet!

Should Skelmersdale win, it wll be the first time in 24 years that the NWCFL will have had a side to progress through the Qualifying Rounds and into the FA Cup Proper, Newcastle Town being the last back in 1996/97.

Stafford were semi-regulars in progressing to the First Round when they were at the pinnicle of non-league football in the 1970's to 1990's,and have reached the First Round 17 times. However they will be bidding to reach the First Round Proper for the first time in 14 years. For Skem, they have reached the First Round three times, and it's even longer when they were last in it, Tranmere Rovers beating them back in the 1970/71 season.

The tie will take place on Saturday 24th October, with the £9,375 as well as the bigger prize of a place in the First Round Proper.