The FA Cup Round Two: Five ties to look out for

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The FA cup brings magic to the pitch like no other competition. It truly is a neutraliser where anyone can beat anyone. It gives the smallest of teams the biggest of opportunities and the dream of a taking the scalp of a big premier league club. This weekend is the second round of the prestigious competition and as always, they’re some interesting ties to have a look at. Of the 20 ties that are being played over the weekend here are five to keep your eye on.

Wrexham vs Newport County

There are only six teams from Wales that can enter the FA cup. The fact that two of them get drawn together is remarkable. This is the first time the two teams met since the 2013 National League play off final where Newport won 2-0 and gained promotion to the football league where they have stayed since. There is a rivalry off the pitch too as Newport pipped Wrexham to city status in 2012.

Both teams are flying high in their divisions as County are forth in league two and Wrexham are third in the national league. This could be the Dragons best chance to beat the Exiles as the away form has been a bit sketchy. The Wrexham manager Sam Ricketts his first managing job, has got the playing well and could provide revenge for the North Welsh team.

Barnet vs Stockport County

The only non-league clash of the second round is between the national league’s Barnet and national league north’s Southport. This guarantees a non-league side in the third round which should give motivation to both teams in the clash.

Both teams have knocked out league opposition already and will look to build on the momentum. As the Bees knocked out Bristol Rovers from League one and County beat League two’s Yeovil Town. Barnet may not have the advantage in the tie as the difference of opposition isn’t a gulf in class as compared to other divisions. It’s the first time the two sides have met since 2010, when both sides were in League two. The Hatters were victors that day and now they hope to do the same to get the big game in the third round.

Charlton Athletic vs Doncaster Rovers

Both teams play in league one. What makes this better is there’s one place between the two sides. Charlton in sixth and Doncaster in seventh. The teams only played each other four weeks ago where the Addicks had a comfortable 2-0 win. Rovers have had good form in the last five games winning three, drawing one and lost one. Lee Bowyer’s men have won the last three on the bounce and will want to make it four.

Both teams saw off opposition convincingly in the first round with Athletic winning 5-0 over Mansfield Town and Rovers seeing off Chorley 7-0 although both teams needing a replay to do it. With the 13 goals scored between the two sides could mean that we are in for a thriller.

Lincoln City vs Carlisle United

Second placed Lincoln and 11th placed Carlisle are the only all League Two clash of the round. As with Charlton v Docaster, the two teams played recently, only this time it was a close 2-2 draw. In the previous round the Imps beat Northampton Town 3-2. The Cobblers beat Crewe Alexandra 1-0 to advance to the next stage. Lincoln reached the quarter finals two years ago when they were non-league, the first time in over 100 years this had happened.

The Imps have only lost three games all season and are one of the favourites to get promoted from league two, although their form has dipped recently only winning two out of the last six drawing three and lost one. The Cobblers form has been mixed with three wins and three losses.

Guiseley FC vs Fleetwood Town

This is one of the biggest differences in teams throughout the round. Guiseley in the National League North who already knocked out Cambridge United in the first round, will face off against Joey Barton’s Fleetwood town in league one. 75 places between the two teams who are both looking to progress.

Guiseley have knocked out league two team Cambridge United already and want to add another league team to the list. Fleetwood town who beat Alfreton Town in the first round, will have to be wary this isn’t a banana peel. This will be the last match of the weekends cup action to be played on Monday. With the Lions trying make club history by going further than they ever have before, Guiseley could do make their names on a national stage with the tie being on TV.