In the Emirates FA Cup Garforth have been drawn at home to Northern League side Whitley Bay in the Extra Preliminary Round. The tie will take place on Tuesday 1st September in what will be the first competitive match of the season. Records show this to be the first ever meeting between the two sides. Should we progress, we’d host NPL side Dunston FC in the Preliminary Round. Please note replays will not take place this year in the qualifying stages; any ties level after 90 mins will go straight to penalties.
The North East theme continues in the First Qualifying Round of the Buildbase FA Vase where we’ve been drawn Sunderland West End at home, on Saturday 19th September. Should The Miners be victorious against the Northern League outfit (another we’ve not faced before), we’d stay right here in LS25 for a Second Qualifying Round tie against Seaham Red Star.
In the FA Youth Cup, Nick Fletcher’s side have been drawn at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels in the Preliminary Round, to be played in the week commencing 7th September (exact date tbc). This tie will also go straight to penalties if level after 90 mins. A visit to Dronfield Town is the reward should we get through that one.
It’s not yet clear whether supporters will be allowed to attend any of the ties above. We understand a proposal has been forwarded by the FA to the government and is awaiting approval. Watch this space!