Liverpool and Manchester collide as Bootle FC welcome FC United of Manchester in the FA Cup

FC United of Manchester will head down the M62 on Saturday to take on Bootle FC as the FA Cup first qualifying round gets underway.

The hosts, who play in the Northern Premier League West division, sit a league below their Mancunian counterparts.

Neil Reynold’s FC United side sit midtable in the early stages of the season with a record of two wins, two draws and two defeats. Consistency has been hard to come by thus far but they will be hoping that a cup run may inspire a run of form.

The Reds had a terrific cup run last season, culminating in a televised second round encounter with Doncaster Rovers of League One. The 5-1 defeat dampened spirits but supporters were delighted to match their previous best run.

Away from home has seen the most difficulties for FC United with a victory yet to be forthcoming. Saturday’s trip to their neighbours down the motorway offers the opportunity to right that particular wrong.

Bootle come into the game after a tricky spell off the field as manager Joe Doran stood down from his role as manager with Richie Boswarva and Chris Stammers taking charge of the team.

The Bucks have had a difficult start to the season, taking only three points from their opening five games. A run of three defeats in a row along with 12 goals conceded sees the Liverpudlians come into this game far from at their best.

A 3-2 victory over local rivals AFC Liverpool in the previous round saw Bootle earn this opportunity and they will be eager to grasp the chance to inch closer to the first round proper.

Skelmersdale United put an end to last season’s cup run and Boswarva and Stammers will be hoping Saturday is only the next stage rather than the end.

Both sides will be looking to make it into the next round of the FA Cup which could see a real underdog story emerge if they are to make it to the first round proper.

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