Seven non-league clubs will feature in Monday’s draw for the third round of the FA Cup, where the Premier League teams enter the draw, offering up the chance of a giants v minnows clash.
So let’s take a look at the list of sides who could meet a footballing colossus when the names are drawn out of the hat.
Macclesfield Town
Founded: 1876 – Ground: Moss Rose – Capacity: 6,355
FA Cup highlight: The Silkmen pulled off a giant killing in the 2012/13 season to reach the fourth round for the first time in their history, beating Championship leaders Cardiff 2-1 at home thanks to a late double from Matthew Barnes-Homer.
Did you know… American actor and professional wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson became a Macclesfield fan after an appearance on Soccer AM in 2008 saw him invited to choose an English club by picking a name out of a hat – the traditional way.
Sutton United
Founded: 1898 – Ground: Gander Green Lane – Capacity: 5,013
FA Cup highlight: Sutton produced one of the most memorable moments in the history of the competition in 1988-89 when they knocked out then-top-flight side Coventry in round three with a 2-1 win.
Did you know… The triumph against Coventry was the last time a non-league club eliminated a top-tier outfit until Luton defeated Norwich in 2012/13.
Barrow AFC
Founded: 1901 – Ground: Furness Building Society Stadium (Holker Street) – Capacity: 4,200
FA Cup highlight: Barrow matched their previous best FA Cup performance on Sunday, with the 2-1 victory at League One Bristol Rovers taking the Vanarama National League side into round three for the 12th time.
Did you know… In 2014 the Cumbrian side – a Football League club from 1921 until 1972 – were taken over by Paul Casson – a businessman who is from Barrow but based in Dallas.
Eastleigh FC
Founded: 1946 – Ground: The Silverlake Stadium – Capacity: 5,192
FA Cup highlight: Making their first appearance in the third round last season, Eastleigh held then-Championship Bolton to a 1-1 draw at home, leading until the 87th minute.
Did you know… Eastleigh adopted their ‘Spitfires’ nickname after consultation with supporters in 2005. Southampton International Airport, previously known as Eastleigh Airport, was home for the assembly of the Supermarine Type F37/34 Spitfire.
FC Halifax
Founded: 2008 (replacing Halifax, who were founded in 1911) – Ground: The MBi Shay Stadium – Capacity: 14,061
FA Cup highlight: Sunday saw FC Halifax make their maiden second-round appearance, drawing 3-3 at National League Eastleigh – a division above them – representing their best achievement in the competition in their new guise.
Did you know… The old Halifax who were dissolved in 2008 were managed twice by Alan Ball senior, father of the 1966 World Cup winner.
Stourbridge FC
Founded: 1876 – Ground: The War Memorial Ground – Capacity: 2,089 (standing, according to evostikleague.co.uk.)
FA Cup highlight: The Glassboys progressed to round two for the first time when they beat League Two Plymouth 2-0 at home in a replay in 2011/12.
Did you know… Since that 2011/12 campaign, seventh-tier Stourbridge have featured in round two of the FA Cup a further three times.
Lincoln City
Founded: 1884 – Ground: Sincil Bank – Capacity: 10,312
FA Cup highlight: In 1906/07 Lincoln beat Chelsea 1-0 away in a first-round replay after a 2-2 draw in the initial tie.
Did you know… The club are nicknamed the Imps after the stone figure of the Lincoln Imp that adorns the city’s cathedral.
