League commitments take a break this weekend as Ashton United welcome close rivals and friends Marine to Tameside for The First Qualifying round of this season’s FA Trophy.
The FA Trophy represents an opportunity for Non-League clubs to go on a exciting cup run earning precious funds for the club’s coffers as well as potentially earning a trip to Wembley in a successful campaign.

Clubs lower than the National League only have to look at the excursions of North Ferriby United in recent years to see there is the potential for clubs outside of the fifth tier to succeed in this competition.

On Saturday afternoon Hurst Cross plays host to the First Qualifying Round match between Ashton United and Marine. United are currently sat in 8th position in the Evo Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division following the 2-2 draw with Sutton Coldfield Town on Saturday while visitors Marine are positioned in 17th with 5 wins from 16 games this season.
League form can go out the window in cup competitions but Ashton will be hoping that won’t appear to be the case come Saturday afternoon.

The game kicks off at 3pm. Why not join both sets of fans early doors for the Sunderland v Arsenal EPL game on the TV screens in the clubhouse, followed by Crystal Palace v Liverpool after the cup tie.