My interest in football allows me to know that today the National League teams join the F.A.Cup competition in the 4th and final qualifying round before the survivors this far get the opportunity to meet the Football League teams in the first round proper.
I tried checking the BBC Sport site for any information without luck. Sky Sports seem to have all the league games but no information about the F.A.Cup. I have changed to BT Sport and found that the news is working its way through so BT Sport it is for the rest of the afternoon.
Halifax Town v. Tranmere Rovers is an intriguing tie number one. Two ex league sides plying their trade at level 5 now.
South Shields (Level 8) at home to Hartlepool United (Level 5) is the next match to attract my attention.
Shaw Lane who have risen quickly to Level 7 are at home to Barrow (Level 5) in another match to watch.
Match number 9 is Buxton (Level 7) v. Gateshead (Level 5) so good luck Buxton.
The biggest gap I can see is little Shildon (Level 9) away to Guiseley (Level 5). Four Levels is huge but historically the Northern League refused to step up when they should have which is why we have the Northern Premier League as well, and there are many teams in the Northern League who should be playing at a higher level. You do have to support them though when you realise that travel costs are the largest costs many clubs face and as we all know money in some locations is not as plentiful as in others.
Eastleigh are at Level 5 and they are taking on the reformed Hereford who are at Level 7 but they have a following that has stayed with them since their football league days so I can see Hereford rising further under their current management.
An interesting "All Level 8" clash is Haringey Borough v. Heybridge Swifts and at least that guarantees a Level 8 side reaching the First Round of the F.A.Cup proper. Borough or Swifts? Who will it be?
Slough Town v. Folkestone Invicta is an "All Level 7" clash so we will see a couple of minnows in the First Round.
Margate v. Leatherhead is another "All Level 7" clash.
The final fixture, number 32, sees East Thurrock United of the National League South taking on Ebbsfleet United of the National League.
I think I shall sit back and relax as half time approaches, watch the scores and prepare for the Arsenal match which is on TV from 17:30pm.
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