Campion aim to win cup back as Bradford look to end poor run

The Scotchman Road side surprisingly won the competition, for the first time ever, in 2022-2023, as part of an historic treble that season.

They play in the ninth tier now, one higher than Steeton, in the Northern Counties East League Division, and will be favourites to progress when that game takes place later this month.

Bradford (Park Avenue) have had a disappointing record in the competition in recent years, and will be looking to rectify that this season, starting with their first round trip to Golcar United.

Two stalwarts of Avenue’s National League North promotion-contending squad at the back end of the last decade ply their trade for Golcar now, in Nicky Clee and Shane Killock.

Albion Sports and Eccleshill United are both at home, as they entertain Knaresborough Town and Selby Town respectively.

Conversely, fellow Bradford duo Thackley and Route One Rovers are on their travels, the former heading to Horbury Town and the latter playing at Harrogate Railway Athletic.

Silsden visit Yorkshire Amateur in the first round, while current holders Liversedge are at home to Barnoldswick Town.

Jack Stockdill captained Sedge to County Cup glory last season. (Image: Brogan Atack.)

Elsewhere, Brighouse Town welcome Garforth Town, while Guiseley go to Armthorpe Welfare.

As for Farsley Celtic, they are due to be at home to South Leeds, but the ongoing pitch work at The Citadel means that game may have to be reversed.

The Celts are yet to play at home this season due to work on their ground and have caused consternation among some of their fans this week.

They have announced that their home game against Leamington on Saturday, September 21 will take place at Alfreton Town’s Impact Arena, which is nearly 70 miles away in Derbyshire.

Farsley have confirmed that the club will be covering the cost of the supporter’s club mini-bus, as well as paying for travel and entry for season-ticket holders.