FA Cup 2nd Round preview
- Bolton get the pick of the FA Cup second round ties
The draw for the second round of the FA Cup has taken place, with the tie of the round for Greater Manchester sides undoubtedly being Bolton Wanderers at home to League One leadership rivals Sheffield United.
The form guide suggests this will be a fierce clash considering the recent form of both teams, with just one loss each from their last twelve league games combined.
The second round fixtures will be played in the first weekend of December and offer some fascinating encounters.
Macclesfield Town face further League One opposition in Oxford United, following their surprising 1-0 victory over Walsall in the previous round. John Askey’s side will be looking to add another higher-tier scalp to their collection following cup wins against Swindon and Cardiff City in recent years.
Oldham Athletic travel to non-league Lincoln City, but the gap between the two teams is narrow. Lincoln are a side pushing hard for promotion back into the Football League while the Latics are struggling near the bottom of League One.
There are still three first round replays to settle for our remaining sides from Greater Manchester.
Whoever triumphs in the clash between Maidstone United and Rochdale will face a lengthy and possibly snowy away trip to Carlisle United. The ‘Dale narrowly avoided embarrassment with the last kick of the game in their tie against Maidstone United, with Callum Camps firing in a free-kick.
Vanarama survivors Curzon Ashton and the lowest ranked side left in the competition, ninth-tier Westfields, will face off again with the prize at stake being a home tie against either Bury or AFC Wimbledon.
With an FA Cup payday being an additional bonus for the home side – along with the ever-present possibility of an FA Cup giantkilling, the battle promises to be an intriguing one.
Both Bury and newly-promoted AFC Wimbledon have won six from their 16 League One games so far – with three points separating Wimbledon in 9th and Bury in 15th spot.
Evenly matched opponents, an FA Cup run at stake, the wild card of the weather … this replay will be an interesting and possibly frenzied affair.