Eccleshill UNITED will get the chance to test themselves against a team from the level above on Saturday when they host Armthorpe Welfare in an FA Vase second-round tie.

The clubs are exactly a full division apart, with the Eagles ninth in Baris Northern Counties East League Division One and their Doncaster-based opponents holding the same position in the Premier section.

Both have played the same number of league games but while Eccleshill have amassed more points, that should not be a form guide to the cup clash.

The Eagles enjoyed a 3-1 win at home to Hallam last weekend, while Armthorpe’s last run-out was a midweek draw at Thackley.

Eccleshill will be ranked as underdogs against an Armthorpe squad that features former Football League players such as Ben Muirhead and Leo Fortune-West.

But they did beat neighbours Thackley in the previous round so will go into the tie without fear.

In turn, THACKLEY are in league action this weekend as they host second-placed Retford United in the Premier Division.

It will be yet another testing game for the Dennyboys, who are seventh after a run of tough fixtures.

Vince Brockie’s men suffered a 5-0 mauling against Scarborough Athletic but then beat Hall Road Rangers and held leaders Bridlington Town to a draw before also finishing all square against Armthorpe on Tuesday.

Top-tier rivals LIVERSEDGE face a trip to mid-table counterparts Arnold Town and should be buzzing after last Saturday’s 4-0 home win over struggling Selby Town.

Neighbours BRIGHOUSE TOWN are inactive this weekend but ALBION SPORTS, who reclaimed a share of the Division One lead with a 5-4 win at Emley in midweek, travel to Teversal.

Albion, who are third on goal difference, have dropped just two points from the last 12 available as they keep up the pressure on their promotion rivals.