1874 NORTHWICH were paired with neighbours Barnton in one of the most intriguing extra preliminary round ties thrown up by Friday’s FA Cup draw.

Ian Street’s men have been handed home advantage against the Villagers, who will be among their rivals in the North West Counties League’s top flight after being promoted last season.

Their meeting marks the start of a new campaign on Saturday, August 6.

The prize on offer to the victors, apart from early local bragging rights, is a trip to last term’s Premier Division champions Colne at the competition's next stage.

Should 1874 progress then they will likely line-up against front man Matthew Beadle, who left Barton Stadium this summer after scoring more than 60 goals in the previous two years.

Barnton return to a competition they most recently entered in 1949 when, as a Mid-Cheshire League side, they were eliminated by Knutsford after a replay.

Their meeting with 1874 will be the first in charge for new manager Steve Lloyd, who replaced now-departed Danny Meadowcroft in the dugout in May.

It will be the second between the clubs following a Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup clash last term that was decided by Ryan Jackson’s goal.

Meanwhile 1874 must wait to discover their opponents in the FA Vase after being handed a bye to the first-round proper as a reward for a top-four finish in a step five league last term.