WITTON Albion will have home advantage when they resume their FA Trophy campaign later this month.

Carl Macauley’s men were paired with AFC Rushden & Diamonds in a draw for the second qualifying round on Monday afternoon – opponents they defeated in a promotion play-offs semi-final last time the teams met.

The tie is provisionally scheduled for Saturday week, November 10.

Billy Smart’s goal at Whitby Town was decisive last weekend for the Northwich club, sending them through to the next stage at the expense of their Northern Premier League rivals.

Meanwhile Rushden, currently playing in the newly-formed Southern League’s Premier Central following their promotion at the end of last season, edged St Ives Town at the same time.

They were beaten three times by Witton, including that semi-final when Rob Hopley scored the winner, when the clubs were rivals in the Northern Premier League’s First Division South two years ago.

To see the FA Trophy draw in full, click here