Emirates FA Cup

With the round completed as far as CCL clubs are concerned, just four have made it through to the 1st Qualifying Round. Incidentally why do the FA Cup label the opening two rounds as Extra-Preliminary and Preliminary? If the Extra-Preliminary was called the 1st Qualifying Round and so on, the 1st Qualifying Round as it is now, would become the 3rd Qualifying Round, which sounds a far greater achievement!

Anyway it is Godalming Town who have drawn what might be called the "dream tie" away to Hereford, albeit that they have to travel 136 miles each way to get there and back. Whether they can pull off a surprise result remains to be seen but hopefully it will put some pennies in the Godalming coffers.

Less glamorous but equally important is Banstead Athletic's home tie against Glebe FC, newly promoted to the Premier Division of the South East Counties League They were beaten by Balham FC last season in the Final of the London Senior Trophy and haven't yet won a league match at their new level, although we've barely started of course.

Finally we are guaranteed at least one club in the 2nd Qualifying Round as Guildford City will entertain Knaphill. It looks too close to call as to who will come through from this one.

The ties are due to be played on Saturday 2 September.