Unlike years gone by many of the sides coming into the tournament are doing so having struggled in their respective leagues.
It is also getting harder to call games with new entrants proving to be as, if not more, competitive than some of the founder member clubs.

Saturday Matches

Paak United vs Blackburn FC
Both sides went out in the first round last year – Paak on penalties and Blackburn after a replay. Paak began their season well and even hit top spot before trailing off. Blackburn FC will be hoping to start a lot stronger. Difficult game to call as you don’t know which Paak or Blackburn is going to turn up!

Coppice United vs Asia FC
Coppice are back in the tournament after a year off and do not look the same side. They have had a torrid year in the league but a mid-season revival saw  them climb out of relegation troubles. They have done better in the cups though. You still have to rank Coppice as one of the favourites. Asia did surprise us last year but folded in the semis. They are better equipped this year it seems. A difficult year in the league for the side.

Sunday Matches

AFC Preston vs PLCC Nomads

PLCC Nomads came through a tough encounter against Deepdale to set up a game against rivals AFC Preston. It is sure to be noisy and if past encounters are anything to go by quite tasty on the pitch too! AFC were out of the hat first this year meant they did not need to take part in a play-off. They have struggled in the league but in the past they have still managed to put up a good fight against more accomplished teams.

Bolton United vs Halifax Hammers
The tie of the round and quite rightly takes place last on a Sunday evening! Bolton led last year 2-1 against Halifax and had chances to put the game to bed, but Halifax ran out 3-2 winners and went on to win the cup at the first attempt. Bolton though come into the tournament on the back of a pretty average run of form. Halifax meanwhile must be favourites having already won the cup and sit second in their league.