1874 NORTHWICH begin their latest FA Cup campaign, a fifth since the club’s formation, against a familiar foe next month.

A team managed jointly by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison has been paired with Burscough, rivals from the North West Counties League’s Premier Division, in a draw for the extra preliminary round.

They prevailed in both meetings with the Linnets last season including, coincidentally, a 1-0 victory on the opening day of the campaign when Adam Whitlock scored a decisive goal.

Scott McGowan’s double settled the outcome in the return.

1874 reached the third qualifying round of last season’s edition, their best run in the competition so far, before bowing out following a penalty shoot-out in a replay at higher-ranked Ossett Town.

Should they progress to the next state this time around, then the reward will be a home date with Widnes or Northwich Victoria.

The Football Association has advised that a total of 736 clubs have entered this season, with 368 of those in action on Saturday, August 11.

Each winning club collects £2,250, an increase of £750 on last term’s reward for a triumph at the same stage.

Meanwhile a new league season will start seven days earlier.

The governing body also confirmed on Friday that 1874 will enter the FA Vase at the second-round stage, scheduled for November, as a reward for reaching the semi-finals in March.