Collision course

Non-league by SIMON SMEDLEY

MOSSLEY face a tough task in this season’s FA Cup if they are to book a mouth-watering Tameside derby date at home against Curzon Ashton.

The Lilywhites have been drawn away at fellow Evo-Stik League outfit Burscough in the preliminary round on Saturday, August 30, when £1,925 will be up for grabs for the winners.

If Mossley can win that game, though, they will then meet last season’s Division One North champions Curzon at Seel Park in the first qualifying round on September 13, when a bumper crowd would surely be in attendance.

In the preliminary round of the FA Trophy, Mossley travel to divisional rivals Warrington Town on Saturday, October 18, when the victors will pocket £2,500.

A victory at Cantilever Park would hand the Lilywhites another away trip in the first qualifying round, on November 1, at either New Mills or Ossett Albion.

The draw for the FA Vase — for lower-ranked teams — has also been made.

In the first qualifying round, to be played on Saturday, September 6, Oldham Boro have been handed a home tie against North-West Counties League Division One rivals 1874 Northwich.

If Tony Mills’ side win that game, they will then host Premier Division Wigan Robin Park in the second qualifying round on October 4, when the winners pick up £800 for their efforts.

Chadderton received a bye into the second qualifying round, where they will host Manchester neighbours Abbey Hey.