Gornal Athletic and Bilston Town learn fate in FA Vase fifth round - three victories from Wembley
Black Country duo Gornal Athletic and Bilston Town have discovered their opponents following the draw for the fifth round of the FA Vase.
The two Midland League Division One clubs continued their astonishing runs in the national knockout competition with round four success over the weekend.
Gornal and Bilston now find themselves three victories - including a two-legged semi-final - from an historic Wembley showpiece final.
Stuart How's Gornal, who won 4-0 on the road at Heather St John's in Leicester last time out, will be away from their Garden Walk home in round five having been pitted on the road at Hallen FC. The club, whose ground is named The Hallen Centre, is based near Bristol.
Gloucestershire side Hallen are a step five outfit - the tier above their visitors next month - having won the title in the Western League Division One last term. They now play in the Hellenic Premier and are second-bottom, though have games in hand due to cup exploits.
After a memorable 1-0 home Queen Street success over Gresley Rovers of the level above, Bilston have been rewarded with another home tie.
Dave King's men will play host to former Conference outfit Droylsden.
Greater Manchester side Droylsden, nicknamed The Bloods, now compete at the same level as Bilston, in the North West Counties League Division One North at step six.
Droylsden, who spent the 2007/08 season in non-league's top tier, are fourth in their division and boast games in hand on rivals.
The ties will take place on Saturday, February 7. Having bagged £1,875 for winning in round four, there is £2,250 on the line for the winners next round.
Gornal last made this round in 2012/13 under Ian Rowe. Bilston have not been to round five since the 1992/93 season. The clubs have both won five ties to reach this stage.
Ambitious Midland One duo Gornal and Bilston are also going well in their league campaigns.
The former, nicknamed The Peacocks, are third with games in hand on those above having lost just once in the league all season.
The Steelmen of Bilston are two places below, in fifth, the final play-off place.
