Tameside clubs discover their FA Cup fate

Three Tameside clubs have discovered their FA Cup Preliminary and Extra Preliminary Round opponents ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Mossley and Droylsden begin their campaigns on Saturday August 8 with the Extra Preliminary Round, which sees the winners pick up £1,125, and the losers pocket £375. 

Both are on the road, with The Lilywhites travelling to Northern Counties East side Silsden, while The Bloods face a trip to fellow NWCFL side Burscough. 

Should Alex Craddock’s side progress, they would host NPL East side Bradford Park Avenue in the next round, while Dave Pace’s men would entertain Garforth Town or West Didsbury and Chorlton.  

Elsewhere, due to their superior league finish, Stalybridge Celtic enter at the Preliminary Round stage of the competition, which takes place on Saturday August 22. 

They travel to either Tadcaster Albion or Glossop North End, with a prize of £1,444 going to the winner, and £481 to the loser. 

Meanwhile, Celtic have been handed a home tie in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round, as they welcome NPL East side Bradford Park Avenue to Bower Fold. 

Mossley will also meet an NPL East side at the same stage of the competition, with a trip to Hallam on the horizon. 

£1,500 will go to the First Qualifying Round winners, while those on the losing side will receive £400.  

All ties will take place on Saturday August 29.