Bilston and Gornal back on the road to Wembley

Bilston Town and Gornal Athletic are back on the road to Wembley as they try to better last season’s run in the FA Vase.

Both sides reached the fifth round - the last-16 stage - before bowing out to Droylsden and Hallen, respectively.

That has allowed them both to enter at the second round this time around - but both Midland League Division One teams will have to topple higher-league opponents from the United Counties League Premier Division North.

Bilston host Heanor Town, while Gornal hit the road to visit Ashby Ivanhoe - both sides having already come through three ties in the competition, including one penalty shootout apiece.

Midland Premier outfits Brocton and Lye Town are also in FA Vase second round action - but both face second-placed teams from their respective divisions.

The Badgers travel to high-flying Midland Premier rivals Abbey Hulton United, while Lye host United Counties League Premier Division North title-chasers Eastwood Community.

With several sides in FA Vase action, there is plenty of opportunity to progress up the Midland Premier table.

AFC Wolverhampton City will be looking to move into the top half while stopping hosts Runcorn Town from going to the top of the table.

Dudley Town can halve the gap to the play-off places by beating Uttoxeter Town at home, a result that would also help Stone Old Alleynians climb out of the relegation zone - if they can beat Whitchurch Alport.

Elsewhere, Sporting Khalsa can enhance their own play-off claims with victory at Wythenshawe Town.

In Midland One, Cradley Town are searching for their first win in six weeks when they travel to high-flying Coalville Town.

Meanwhile, Bustleholme host rock-bottom Holwell Sports and Birmingham OJM go to second-bottom Stapenhill.

With Bilston and AFC Bridgnorth in FA Vase action, Stafford Town can move up to second in North West Counties League Division One South by beating second-bottom Telford Town.

Eccleshall can follow them up the table by seeing off Shawbury United, while Wolverhampton Casuals will climb into the play-off spots with a home win over Allscott Heath.

Elsewhere, Brereton Social travel to Cheadle Heath Nomads and Wednesfield visit New Mills.

Sixth-placed Stourport Swifts will be looking to bounce back from a 4-1 defeat at Cirencester Town when they travel to mid-table Corsham Town in the Hellenic League Premier Division, while Bewdley Town host Shortwood United in Hellenic League Division One.