When?

Today, Monday, at around 1pm

Where?

The FA has published the draw on its website here

Who?

A total of 44 clubs, from step two of the National League System, enter at the third round qualifying stage.

For Witton, that meant they could be paired with any of the 22 teams from National League North.

Carl Macauley’s men are one of four teams from the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division that have guaranteed themselves a place at the next stage.

Five others – Buxton, Farsley Celtic, Mickleover Sports, Stalybridge Celtic and Workington – will take part in a midweek replay after draws on Saturday.

The National Game Board determines which rounds are played on a geographical basis.  

How it works

If a first match is drawn after 90 minutes, then extra-time can be played providing both clubs have agreed in advance.

They can also choose to have a penalty shoot-out to decide a winner if the scores remain level after an added 30 minutes.

Should both clubs prefer a replay in the event of a draw, then it must be played on or before the Thursday following the first meeting.

There are no second replays; if the teams can’t be separated inside 90 minutes, then extra-time and a penalty shoot-out will follow.

Path to the third round qualifying for Witton

2QR Nov 10 AFC Rushden & Diamonds (h) 2-0

Witton’s fourth successive win against these opponents, after three during the 2016-2017 season including a promotion play-offs semi-finals triumph, was a convincing one in the end.

Cesaire’s goal, finished coolly after Tom Owens sent him clear, set Carl Macauley’s men on a course for victory that was assured when an unfortunate Zack Reynolds sliced Danny McKenna’s shot into his own net.

Rushden cursed their luck when Jack Westbrook’s header struck an upright before River Humphreys’ stretching effort at the other end went the same way.

1QR Oct 27 Whitby Town (a) 1-0

Albion travelled to the Turnbull Ground for the second time this season and returned as victors by the same score-line thanks to Billy Smart’s goal.

The midfielder struck on the hour, after Will Jones had nodded on Anthony Gardner’s long throw-in, to put Carl Macauley’s men in the lead.

They had to ride their luck when their hosts mounted a rally that included both Lewis Maloney and substitute Greg Rutherford sending attempts against the crossbar.

Prize money

A win at this stage of the competition is worth £5,000 to the victors

Saturday’s victory earned a £4,000 pay-out, adding to the £3,250 collected following that win at Whitby

For the diary

Third round qualifying matches are scheduled for Saturday, November 24 2018