FA Vase weekend for Parkgate and Swallownest

In-form Gate, who have won their last six matches, travel to Manchester to take on Abbey Hey FC in the first round proper while a good crowd is expected at the Miners' Welfare Ground for Swallownest's tie with Birtley Town (both 3pm).

Swallownest were re-instated when Little Breck, who beat them in the last round, were found to have fielded an ineligible player.

Their latest opponents, from Tyne and Wear, are midtable in their section of the Northern League.

Although Gate's opponents Abbey Hey are having a good season in the North West Counties League and sit third in Division One South, the Steelmen knocked out the current leaders, West Didsbury, in the last round.

We've a full interview with Parkgate manager Andy Dawson in this week's Advertiser.