Following our victory over Squires Gate, West will play Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Cup Preliminary Round, with the tie scheduled to take place on Saturday 24 August at Bower Fold.

Stalybridge play in the Northern League Premier Division (3 leagues above West) and would represent a major scalp for West – if we were to get there, and pulled off a shock result. Last season, they finished 17th, two points clear of the relegation zone. In last season’s FA Cup, they were eliminated in their first tie, losing 1-0 away to Radcliffe Borough. In their long and storied history, Stalybridge have twice reached the Second Round Proper (1993-94, and 1999-00) when Carlisle United and Chester City eliminated them. In recent times, they reached the 1st round before being knocked out by Doncaster Rovers in 2015-16.

Celtic are yet to kick off their season, but begin with a trip to Mickleover Sports on Saturday 17th. Their pre-season has been hugely successful, however – they have defeated Burnley (3-1), Abbey Hey (1-0), Marine (2-1), Mossley (2-0), and, most recently, Glossop North End (5-0). They’ve also been defeated by Curzon Ashton (3-1) and Barnsley (5-0).

As a result of our progression, our game away at New Mills will now be rescheduled – this was previously due to be played on 24th August. News of the new date will be announced as and when we have it.