Two days to go until Dunston play Skelmersdale: Match Preview

In advance of each round of the FA Cup the excellent twitter feed @FACupFactfile provides followers with a match by match preview. For the Dunston UTS v Skelmersdale tie the feed notes that this is the first time that these sides have met in the world's oldest football competition. It is reported that Skelmersdale United have made the first round proper 3 times. If they win on Saturday they will have reached the second qualifying round in each of the last five seasons. Dunston UTS have never reached the first round proper (yet) but did make it to the final qualifying round in season 2003-04.

I have also received some interesting preview notes from my new bestest pal Kev Panther, the programme editor for Skelmersdale United.

Kev Panther: Programme Editor for Skelmersdale United

Kev offers the opinion that although, in theory, Skelmersdale are two tiers higher in the pyramid than Dunston they are not necessarily favourites. His view is that there are a lot of lads in the Northern League who are capable of playing Conference level football but prefer to play in a league where the travelling is not such a burden. Certainly from what I have seen of Dunston so far they have four or five players who could definitely play at a higher level.

Kev thinks it will be close. Dunston fancy their chances. Are we heading for a replay in Skem next midweek?