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Stevenage Borough take on Burton Albion in the FA Trophy

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Burton set to get sweet FA at Boro

Saturday January 31, 2009

FA Trophy Third Round Proper

Kettering Town v AFC Telford United (Kick-off 12pm)

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Home Draw Away

Kettering had the heartbreak of losing 4-2 at home to Fulham in the FA Cup last weekend and lost 2-1 at Stevenage in midweek in the Blue Square Premier. Town should progress against AFC Telford United, they are the favourites and I'm going to go for the Poppies to reach round four.

Verdict: Home win

Kidderminster Harriers v York City

Home Draw Away

Kidderminster got back on track with a 2-0 home win over Histon and they should win this one. However, draw specialists York shared the spoils at Altrincham in midweek and I think they are more than capable of getting another draw here, which would see them earn a replay. Harriers could yet be the main challenger to Burton for the Blue Square Premier title but I'm going for a draw in this FA Trophy clash.

Verdict: Draw

Workington v Wrexham

Home Draw Away

Wrexham were in good form before their 3-3 draw at home to Northwich in midweek and this is a trip into the unknown which they won't relish. Logic tells me that Wrexham are a banker to win, but I'm going for a draw here. I think Workington will give everything against Dean Saunders' side. I was really shocked Wrexham didn't beat Northwich. This is a Cup tie, Wrexham were bundled out in the qualifying round of the FA Cup so will treat this clash with caution and I'm going for a draw.

Verdict: Draw

Forest Green Rovers v Hednesford Town

Home Draw Away

Forest Green at home should be good enough to beat Hednesford. Rovers earned a 2-2 draw at Salisbury in midweek and played really well in their FA Cup run even though they lost against Derby when they went 2-0 up. I think they'll be too strong for Hednesford and it's a home win for me.

Verdict: Home win

Ebbsfleet United v Swindon Supermarine

Home Draw Away

FA Trophy holders Ebbsfleet take on surprise package Swindon Supermarine at home. Ebbsfleet won the trophy with a lot of pride and I don't think they want to give it up too easily and I fancy them here. The Fleet drew 4-4 with Crawley at home in the match of midweek and I think they could well be involved in one of the games of the weekend. I'm going for a home victory.

Verdict: Home win

Havant & Waterlooville v Crawley Town

Home Draw Away

We all know about Havant & Waterlooville's Cup pedigree after they beat Swansea last season in the FA Cup and scored twice at Anfield against Liverpool. I expect Crawley to win but you never know. Havant only have to be buoyed by what happened in the FA Cup so I'm going for a draw. Crawley will perhaps settle for that as they should be good enough to win at home in a possible replay. Havant have great support, they had a good run last year and I think a second match is on the cards.

Verdict: Draw

Southport v Torquay United

Home Draw Away

Torquay were beaten by Ebbsfleet in the FA Trophy final last year and look to go one better as they travel to Southport. This is potentially a holiday destination double opportunity for the Gulls. Torquay knocked Blackpool out of the FA Cup this season - can they knock Southport out of the FA Trophy? I think this will be a tough match for Paul Buckle's side and will be a tight game. They could probably do without it due to their league position, but I think a replay is the favoured outcome.

Verdict: Draw

Stevenage Borough v Burton Albion

Home Draw Away

This is a real heavyweight battle. Stevenage have snuck into the play-off places in recent weeks are at home to table-toppers Burton. I don't think Albion will be too upset if they got knocked out of the FA Trophy. They are going so well that I suppose you can't stop a winning habit but I'm going to take Boro to win this one. They are beginning to pick up and realistically this is their chance of silverware, whereas Burton have just one thing on their mind - to win the Blue Square title and earn a place in the Football League. It's a surprise, but I'm going for Stevenage to beat Burton.

Verdict: Home win

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Southport v Torquay United Draw

Oxford United 21/10 (Blue Square Premier clash at Cambridge on Thursday January 29, 2009)