Non-league previews: Neil Kitching eyes an FA Cup run as several clubs begin competitive action

The Rangers will officially begin their competitive 2025/26 campaign tomorrow, welcoming Lutterworth Town in the Extra Preliminary Round of the prestigious competition.

The Boro have failed to progress past the second qualifying round in the last four seasons, and their best result in the past 15 years came in 2020/21 when they reached the fourth qualifying stage.

Stafford boss Kitching said: “I think Stafford is renowned for not having a very good FA Cup record, and each year you try and make sure that you have a half-decent run, whether that’s in the FA Cup or Trophy.

“It will be a difficult game against Lutterworth, lower opposition from step five. But, they are a good outfit and have signed some good players.

“It will be a tough game, but competitive. That’s what we want, to see where we are at. 

“Hopefully we can get a win and have a little FA Cup run which would be nice. One for the fans and the club, but two for the financial part of it as well.”

A young and trialist-filled Rangers side was thrashed 7-1 by Loughborough Students at Marston Road midweek. It followed pre-season defeats to Alvechurch and Rushall Olympic.

This weekend’s cup clash is the Rangers’ first competitive fixture of the new campaign, and if they win, will earn them a Staffordshire-tie with league rivals Chasetown in the next round.

Kitching is excited to return to competitive action, but revealed that the dressing room is carrying a few knocks.

He added: “We’re looking forward to it. It’s always nice to get out of pre-season and into the real stuff, whether that be FA Cup or the league action.

“There is something on the game, it is real all of a sudden rather than it being about getting minutes into people’s legs. 

“We have got to make sure that we are ready. But, we have got one or two knocks and bumps and bruises in the dressing room.”

Elsewhere, league rivals Darlaston Town, who enjoyed a run to the first qualifying round last season, visit Pershore Town while Lichfield City of the Northern One Midlands go to Hanley Town looking to advance to the preliminary round for the first time since the 2022/23 season.

Step five's AFC Wolverhampton City host Shepshed Dynamo while Brocton travel to Bedworth United and Dudley Town go to Heanor Town. 

Meanwhile, Lye Town, who were relegated from the Northern One Midlands last season, visit Hereford Pegasus, and Tividale entertain Clay Cross Town.

In the North West Counties League Division One South, Stafford Town will look to continue their winning start to the new season at Cammell Laird 1907. Adam Wall's side sit second after their opening two matches where they beat local-rivals Eccleshall and Wolverhampton Sporting Community, both 2-0. 

Wolves Sporting, who have lost both of their first two games, host Ashville who are also winless so far.