So the National League sides enter at this stage of the competition and there's some intriguing games taking place over the weekend or the first one sees FC Halifax Town, the reigning holders of the trophy take on Altrincham.

These two sides met in the semi-finals last season with a penalty shootout, meaning the Shaymen made it to Wembley, where they then went on to win it and I've got to say, this is going to be a really intriguing game Altrincham who won 6-1last time round against Solihull Moors.

They had all that momentum and then the last game was postponed due to a frozen pitch. Be interesting to see whether they'll be able to maintain that momentum, FC Halifax Town their form has been hit and miss this season over the last few league games. It's been rather disappointing, rather frustrating for the fans. But Halifax have shown last season that they can go on a good run in the cup and this is their first home game in the trophy since the 2021-2022 season. And I think the home fans will play a part in FC Halifax team starting a successful defence of the Trophy.

One game that's going to be close to call is Nantwich Town taking on York City the Minstermen had that narrow loss against Wigan Athletic last week in the FA Cup. Well for an end to which they've progressed to this stage of the competition, they've won their last three games in the FA Trophy on penalties after nil, nil draws each time.

This is going to be a real close game and if there is going to be a goal, there's going to be a single one so I think less than 1.5 goals for this game would be a smart bet. I do think the Minstermen will be able to progress. It's going to be a tight game.

There's been so much uncertainty about the future of Nuneaton Borough. Well, they've announced the takeover in the last few weeks. And this weekend's game against AFC Fylde, will be taking place at Coventry City’s Ground. They've agreed for this game to take place with rent not being due, which is a big boost for Nuneaton.

It's going to be really interesting to see what kind of atmosphere is created in this game. It's going to be a big occasion for both sets of players playing. In that Championship ground. And I've got a feeling that Nuneaton will be able to upset the odds defeating the National League side, their form over the last few weeks has been really impressive and they really have shown great determination to go on a decent run of form despite all the off field issues.

The final game I'm going to pick is City of Liverpool against Hartlepool. And the big question seems to be which team will turn up I've got a feeling that City of Liverpool will be causing a cupset here, progressing to the next stage of the competition. It's going to be really interesting to see what happens.
Plenty of drama will be taking place this weekend in the FA Trophy.