Two teams managed by ex Enfield FC players in Dave Howell's Harrow Borough and Gary McCann's Hendon have the accolade of being the last two representatives of the Ryman League in the FA Cup 1st Round proper tomorrow.
Hendon, take their place in the first round for the first time since 1999 when they beat Bath City 0-2 away before travelling to Blackpool where they lost 2-0. McCann and his assistant Freddie Hyatt were part of that team alongside one Dominic Gentle who scored for the Town reserves in midweek.
With the likes of Charlton Athletic, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday in the hat the draw hasn't been that kind to McCann's team as they travel to Blue Square South side Chelmsford City. Unsurprisingly after Hendon's 1-5 defeat at AFC Sudbury skybet.com make City strong favourites to progress at 8/15 with a draw rated as 11/4 and an away win at 9/2. The Clarets are third in their division winning five and drawing one of their home fixtures. That draw came in the fixture last Monday night against St Albans City where the Hertfordshire team where the first team to score in the league at The Melbourne Stadium this season. A victory for Glen Pennyfather's team will seem them through qualify for the second round for the first time since 1985.
At Earlsmead, Harrow Borough are rated as 6/1 outsiders against 4/9 League Two pacesetters Chesterfield. A draw in on offer for 11/4. In the league The Spireites have been virtually unstoppable at home winning seven and drawing 1 with no defeats. On the road they seem to be tough to beat having two wins, four draws and just one defeat scoring just seven and letting in six goals. As supporters of the old Enfield FC will remember, Chesterfield have been subject of a giant-killing in the FA Cup. What a famous day that was and can you believe it was in 1999. Against all the odds a 1-2 victory was recorded on a glory glory away day at Saltergate by Jim Chandler's Blue and White Army.
One thing the cold end is sure about is the magic of the cup will be spread somewhere this weekend with one or two lucky non-league players making a name for themselves.
Will it be the lowest ranked side left in the competition? The cold end is not sure if a trip to Hereford United's Edgar Street has ever been described as romantic but for the players and supporters of Hythe Town it certainly will be a day to remember. Currently mid-table in The Safety Net Associates Kent Football League they are 10/1 outsiders to win with The Bulls favourites at 1/5. A draw is rated at 9/2. Their adventure started way back on the 14th August at Reachfields Stadium when Bookham were beaten 4-0. Since then they have recorded wins against Deal Town (a), Epsom and Ewell (h), Erith and Belvedere (h), shocked Concord Rangers (a) and then famously beat Blue Sqaure South Staines Town in front of 808 people at their home ground. Scott Porter's side have already played six games to qualify for this stage which is one more than Chelsea played last season to lift the trophy at Wembley. One player who Town fans may recognise playing for Hythe is Brendon Cass who scored 37 goals for Dartford in their Ryman Division One (North) Championship campaign of 2007/2008. Lee Shearer, who has played for a host of non-league clubs as well as Leyton Orient also plays for the Kent side.
THE COLD END SENDS GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE NON-LEAGUE TEAMS IN ACTION OVER THE WEEKEND!!!
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