Non-League sides hoping to spring a surprise

NATIONAL League Halifax Town will be looking to kick-off today’s FA Cup ties with an upset when they host AFC Wimbledon in the televised lunchtime game.

Shaymen defender Michael Duckworth said on the club’s official website: “I don’t think people realise how big it (the FA Cup) is.

“It’s massive for a club like us, the financial reward, it’s great for the club, and for the fans.

“They want to see a good cup run and we want to test ourselves against teams in higher leagues.”

Today’s late kick-off will see National League promotion-hopefuls Wrexham host Welsh rivals Newport County.

Dragons boss Sam Ricketts, right, has his sights set on another memorable upset at the Racecourse.

He told his club’s official website: “Everyone remembers Mickey Thomas’ goal (against Arsenal in 1992), and every year it will get shown because of the goal and because of the upset. What we’ve said to the players is that is fantastic and why the club is as big as it is, but now it’s their opportunity to earn their place in folklore.”

Gloucester City have signed goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott from Bristol City on an initial three-month loan.

Wollacott has previously enjoyed a successful loan spell in the National League South with Truro, where he worked with Tigers manager Chris Todd during their play-off push at the back end of last season.

His arrival signals the end of West Brom’s Adam Przybek and Bristol City team-mate AJ Sesay’s loans as they both re-join their parent clubs.

Todd said: “To finally get Jojo through the door is a massive boost for us going into Christmas.”