DARLINGTON have been handed an inviting home draw in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup after they were paired with Gainsborough Trinity.

Quakers will host the Northern Premier League side at Blackwell Meadows on Saturday, September 28 after beating West Didsbury and Chorlton in the second qualifying round at the weekend.

Steve Watson’s team will start as strong favourites against a Gainsborough side that currently sit 12th in the Northern Premier, level on points with Morpeth Town. If Darlington can come through the third qualifying round tie, they will be one more win away from a place in the first round proper.

Gainsborough’s squad features former Darlington striker Declan Howe, who struggled during a brief loan spell with the Quakers 18 months ago.

Spennymoor Town face a tougher test in the wake of today’s draw as they were handed a home tie against fellow National League North team Chorley.

Moors, who beat Morpeth 3-1 at the Brewery Field last weekend to book their third qualifying round spot, will take on a Chorley side who are currently ten places above them in the National League North table. As well as playing in the FA Cup at the end of the month, the two sides are also due to meet in the league at the Brewery Field in October.

Stockton Town are through to the third qualifying round for the first time in their history, and they will host National League North opposition in the shape of Chester.

Chester, a former Football League club, are currently fourth in National League North, which is a league higher than where Stockton are playing.

The Anchors have made a strong start to the season though, and currently sit tenth in the Northern Premier League table after winning promotion last season. They came through the second qualifying round successfully as they beat Marine 3-2.

Newton Aycliffe head to Warrington Rylands for a second qualifying round replay tomorrow night, having drawn their original game 1-1 in the North-East, and Brian Atkinson’s side could face North-East opposition if they get through.

The winner of Aycliffe’s replay against Rylands will host either Dunston or Scarborough Athletic at Moore Lane. The two potential opponents are also involved in a replay in North Yorkshire tomorrow after drawing their original fixture at Dunston at the weekend.