Stanley test for Latics

ATHLETIC will lock horns with Accrington Stanley after being handed an away draw in the first round of the FA Cup.

Paul Dickov’s side travel to the Crown Ground for the tie against the npower League Two club, managed by John Coleman, who currently sit in mid-table.

The game will take place on Saturday, November 6 (3pm kick-off).

Since Stanley returned to the Football League four years ago, the two sides have met three times in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Athletic have won two of those encounters to Accrington’s one, gained just over a year ago courtesy of a 2-1 first-round away victory at Boundary Park.

Rochdale have landed a local tie against FC United, who beat higher-ranked Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Barrow 1-0 at Gigg Lane, with former Athletic trainee Carlos Roca scoring the only goal.

The Evo-Stick League One side were formed by anti-Glazer Manchester United fans five years ago and the game at Spotland will be their first-ever in the competition proper.

Sean Gregan made his debut on loan for Fleetwood Town, whose reward for defeating Buxton is a home tie against League One basement boys Walsall.

Ties will take place on the weekend of November 6 and 7.