FA Cup First Round: Team News and Key Facts Across Six Ties

A six-match look at the FA Cup first round, from Macclesfield’s cup history to Billy Sharp’s return with AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

The FA Cup first round brings together clubs from across the pyramid, with Macclesfield returning after a landmark cup upset and Billy Sharp set for a one-game comeback at Burton. Here are the key details from all six ties.

Mansfield v Macclesfield

Macclesfield travel to Mansfield after eliminating Crystal Palace in the third round last January, a result described in the source as the competition’s greatest shock. The National League North side are led by John Rooney, while former Mansfield manager Keith Curle is now Macclesfield’s sporting director. The source gives no availability or suspension details for this tie.

Bradford City v Marine

Marine make the trip from Crosby to face Bradford City, who are described as being in a difficult spell since Graham Alexander left to take charge of Preston. The source identifies Marine with Rossett Park and its long-serving former manager Roly Howard, but provides no player absences, doubts or suspensions for either side.

Burton v AFC Rushden & Diamonds

Billy Sharp is set to return at Burton with AFC Rushden & Diamonds for one match, seeking the 300th goal of his career after leaving Doncaster on 299. The source says he recently retired and notes that he scored for Rushden during a loan spell in 2005, before the former club was liquidated six years later. No other availability or suspension information is included.

Plymouth Argyle v Alvechurch

Alvechurch, from a Worcestershire village, visit Plymouth Argyle, with the source identifying Tom Cleverley as the Pilgrims’ manager. It also recalls that Plymouth were relegated to League One two seasons ago, while their cup run that season included a third-round win over eventual Premier League champions Liverpool. No absences, doubts or suspensions are specified for this fixture.

Cray Wanderers v Stockport County

Isthmian League side Cray Wanderers host Stockport County, who are described as high-flying in League One. Cray trace their origins to 1860 and play in Chislehurst. The source does not provide team-news or suspension details for either club.

Peterborough v Reading

Peterborough host Reading in a family reunion: Robbie Savage manages the Posh, while his son Charlie is part of the Reading story, with the source referring to the Royals as his team. No player availability, doubts or suspensions are listed for this match.