Hallam look for FA Vase pick-me-up

The Blues have let standards slip in recent games after twice throwing away leads at Thackley, where they led 2-0 only to lose 3-2. On Tuesday they then took an early lead only to go down 2-1 at the surprise Premier leaders Nostell MW.

But the Blues’ away form has been good so far with the defeat at Nostell only their second in 10 trips.

Hallam start clear favourites against an Ashton side who are in the bottom half of the North West Counties Division Two with just three wins from seven.

Parkgate also face NWC opposition but the Steelmen look to have a sterner test with against Division Two leaders Kirkham & Wesham who have had just the one defeat in nine league games. However, in the previous round Kirkham managed to just squeeze past Brodsworth 4-3 with stoppage time winner.

Parkgate look to have hit a bit of form at just the right time with a 2-2 draw at South Normantonmaking it three games without defeat. With Matt Outram back in the ranks and Caine Cheetham in fine scoring form, the Steelmen should have enough in their armoury to go through.

Armthorpe Welfare entertain Northern League side Jarrow Roofing BCA and such is their home form that a victory looks inevitable for the Doncaster side. Des Bennett’s men have won 13 of the last 15 games at Church Street and have 100 per cent home league record which sees them third in the table.

In contrast their North-east visitors have won just one in seven.

Maltby Main will be keen to put last weekend’s 2-0 setback at Pickering Town behind them by continuing their recent revival at Squires Gate.

The Miners had won the previous three prior to their visit to Pickering but know they will have to at their best to beat the Blackpool-based side that are in the top six of the NWC Division One.

Emley also face a tricky away tie on Merseyside where they take on NWC Division One outfit Bootle.

The Lancashire side have had a mixed start to the campaign with four wins and three defeats from eight games.

However, Emley will travel in confident mood after winning the last two, while they have never failed to score in their 11 outings so far this season.