BARNTON have missed out on a spot in the FA Cup because of their results on the pitch last term.
Officials received more applications than they have places for the 2019-2020 edition and clubs operating at step six of the National League System – like the Villagers – have been allowed in if their points-per-game total was high enough.
James McShane’s men finished 12th in the North West Counties League’s First Division South, collecting 50 points from 38 matches – an average of 1.32.
That left them below a threshold for entry, set at 1.84.
There will be 736 teams in this season’s competition, the same figure as for the past six years.
However a restructure of the non-league pyramid has moved more clubs up to a higher level and a position that would have made the cut previously doesn’t any longer.
Barnton have made three appearances in the FA Cup since they were promoted to the North West Counties League’s Premier Division in 2016.
And a 2-1 defeat against 1874 Northwich at the extra preliminary round stage marked a return to the competition after more than half a century away.
They have fallen at the first hurdle in each of the past two seasons.
The governing body has announced that a draw for the preliminary rounds of this season’s competition, which features 1874 Northwich, Northwich Victoria and Winsford United, will be published on Friday afternoon.
Back stronger 💪
— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) July 5, 2019
The draws for the 2019-20 #EmiratesFACup preliminary rounds will be released on Friday 12 July. pic.twitter.com/fV3Nj0VfML
Meanwhile Witton Albion, who play in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight, are exempt until a later date.
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