Part of a knockout month, that has seen FA Cup and FA Trophy games dominate the fixture schedule. And away games too for that matter – the Holy Blues will be hoping to add another £2,450 to the pot. That’s the prize on offer, with the losing team receiving £625.

September certainly has the potential to be a profitable month for clubs in the NPL that can show their strength in the elimination competitions. Something Russ Wilcox’s Holy Blues have been keen to demonstrate in recent seasons. Set to be decided on the day, should the tie finish level after ninety minutes, the game will head straight to penalties, with the winners going into the hat for Monday’s draw.

Bury inflicted late heartache at the Kal Group Stadium, with Bailey Sloane heading home a last minute winner. And Russ Wilcox’s men will be looking to channel their cup-king mentality to progress in the competition. Tuesday night’s victory over Leamington will have Trinity heading into this one in confident fashion. Boosted by the new signing of Ronnie Kokkinos, the former Mansfield Town Academy Graduate, who arrives from Sherwood Colliery in time for the game, will give the boss further options.

The win in midweek saw Fraser Preston draw level at the top of the scoring charts, with his fourth goal of the campaign. Javelle Clarke opening his account for the season & Lewis Butroid netting his first goal this season at the Kal Group Stadium. The returning David Robson also recorded another shutout to add to his impressive tally, thanks to a determined rear guard action.

More of the same will be needed to overcome the Shakers, who since winning in Lincolnshire, have slipped to defeats at home to Lancaster City, and away to Hyde – but – have scored 25 goals in six games. 24 in four home games since failing to score against Lancaster, conceding only once! That record certainly indicates the size of the task in hand for Russ Wilcox’s boys, but one they are sure to relish!

Match Details

Our counterparts have advised our supporters to pre-purchase tickets for the game. The advanced purchases will ensure our supporters are housed together in the same stand, as there may be a different stand on the day. Admission prices have been communicated with us, as: Adults £10, Disabled (with carer) £10 (£5 each) 16-18 year olds £3, U16s £1. Bury expect under 14s to be accompanied by an adult. And Under 5s go free, with a paying adult.

The on-site car park at Gigg Lane will be open from 12:30pm on the day of the match. Charged at £5 per vehicle, on a first come, first serve basis. Cash only, there is also no movement permitted, on the car park, until fifteen minutes after the final whistle, to allow for the safe exit of supporters from the stadium.

Other parking is available in the residential areas surrounding the ground, where supporters are asked to be considerate of local residents, and to be mindful of where parking permits are implemented.

Programmes are available from sellers within the ground, and are priced at £3.50, each.

Elsewhere

It’s the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round weekend, the first time sides from Step 3 enter the competition en-mass, so a full round of NPL Premier Division sides, who change their focus to this competition. Here are all our sides competing this time around:

Alfreton Town vs Shifnal Town
Bootle vs Emley AFC
Bridlington Town vs Whitby Town
Cleethorpes Town vs Lancaster City
Curzon Ashton vs Stalybridge Celtic
Dunston vs Avro
Guisborough Town vs Redcar Athletic
Guiseley vs Bamber Bridge
Hyde United vs FC United of Manchester
Ilkeston Town vs Anstey Nomads
Quorn vs Leamington
Warrington Rylands vs Stockton Town
Warrington Town vs Ashton United
Worcester City vs Leek Town
Workington AFC vs Blyth Spartans

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)