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NPL teams learn FA Cup fate as fourth qualifying round draw made
The draw has been made for the fourth qualifying round of this season's FA Cup.
Six Northern Premier League teams entered the draw, as a result of either winning their third qualifying round ties last weekend or taking their opponents to replays, which will take place on Tuesday night.
The fourth qualifying round will see teams from the National League enter the competition for the first time, providing a higher likelihood of a big tie for sides at Step 3 and 4 level.
For Northern Premier League leaders Macclesfield, their reward for a 6-1 thrashing of Witton Albion is a trip to Tamworth, who are currently 17th in the National League.
Gainsborough Trinity produced one of the shocks of the round by defeating National League North Darlington 2-1 away from home.
Up next for the Holy Blues is a home game against National League Boston United.
Guiseley are on the road in the next round, with either Buxton or Kidderminster Harriers lying in wait.
If Hednesford Town - the only Step 4 NPL representative still remaining - are able to defeat Midland Football League Premier Division side Shifnal Town in their replay, the reward will be a home game against National League heavyweights Gateshead.
Elsewhere in the draw, Stockton Town will visit higher-league opposition in Scarborough Athletic, but only if they can win their replay against Chester.
The Anchors came mightily close to a big upset over the weekend, but the side currently second in the National League found a dramatic stoppage-time leveller to keep their FA Cup dream alive.
Free-scoring Worksop Town will also require a replay if they're to book their place in the next round of the competition.
Should they defeat King's Lynn Town, a trip to Curzon Ashton will be their reward.
The draw for the fourth qualifying round was made on Monday afternoon, live on talkSPORT.
The ties involving Northern Premier League sides are listed below:
- Tamworth vs Macclesfield
- Gainsborough Trinity vs Boston United
- Hednesford Town vs Gateshead
- Buxton or Kidderminster Harriers vs Guiseley
Ties are to be played on Saturday 12 October, with the winners receiving £9,375 and the losers receiving £3,125.
