Leamington and Racing Club Warwick all set for big FA Cup tests

Leamington, disappointingly beaten 3-1 at Bishop's Stortford, on Saturday, are at home to a Gainsborough Trinity side who sit ninth in the NPL Premier Division table.

Racers will head to league rivals Alvechurch, who sit second and beat them a few weeks ago in league action.

Brakes boss Scott Easterlow said: “The draw was kind to us in the sense of being at home but obviously not to kind in drawing Gainsborough Trinity, who are going really well in their league.

“It will be a tough test for us but hopefully we can get through to the next round.

“We have won two of our last three games and were really disappointed not to win on Saturday.

“It is important we bounce back quickly and there is no better place to do that than in the FA cup.

“We have had Trinity watched and have a plan in place which we will work on in training and hope to see it come to fruition on Saturday.

“We have a couple of players who have late fitness tests before we name our squad.”

Beaten by a late goal after coming from 2-0 down to level against Anstey Nomads last weekend, Racers now head for Alvechurch nd joint manager Chris Knott said: “It is going to be a challenging one as they have made a flying start.

“From our point of view we went there and lost 2-0 a few weeks ago when we didn't probably give a very good account of ourselves.

“We now know what to expect and hopefully can give a better account of ourselves. And being the FA Cup, anything can happen.

“We didn't start well again on Saturday.

“But we clawed ourselves back into the game and did really well.

“The reality is we were pushing for a winner and knew we may get caught out.

“It could have gone either way, but we sensed the opportunity for a winner – and we have not yet won a home game – but unfortunately it ended up the other way round.

“We have had a couple of players missing recently but, apart from our one long term injury, everyone it fit and available for Saturday and raring to go.”

Both sides have league fixtures scheduled for next week, Racing at Redditch United on Monday and Leamington at home to Halesowen Town on Tuesday but those could change if cup replays are needed.

Winning clubs in the FA Cup will receive £3,375 and defeated clubs £1,125.

In Monday's FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round, Leamington were drawn away to NPL Premier Division side Quorn FC while Racing were drawn at home to fourth-placed league rivals Bromsgrove Sporting.

The games are set to take place on Saturday, 26th September.