MINNOWS GET EXTRA TIME

TEN tiny teams will experience the thrill of the FA Cup this weekend instead of kicking off a depressing month without football.

The grassroots game was put on hold on Thursday with teams below level six – the National Leagues North and South – banned by the Government from even training.

The FA Cup first- round draw included 10 clubs whose seasons were to have been put in temporary cold storage. Five are from level seven, four from level 8 and one – Skelmersdale United – from the ninth tier. But they can play on in the Cup and carry on training while their league opponents wait for lockdown to end.

Banbury United being drawn at home to Canvey Island means at least one team below tier six is guaranteed to get through.

Skelmersdale, FC United of Manchester and Maldon & Tiptree will each receive a welcome £ 32,500 windfall for appearing live on either the BBC or BT Sport.

Marine, Banbury, Canvey and Cray Valley will pocket £ 12,500 from their BBC coverage, with all winners getting £ 16,972 from the prize fund and the losers £ 5,657.

AFC Wimbledon’s tie at Barrow today has been postponed after the Dons reported a number of positive Covid tests in their squad.