FA Cup 1st Round Predictions: progress for Shaw Lane?

Shaw Lane v Mansfield

Shaw Lane AFC were regarded by most followers of the Northern Premier League as, by far, the best team in the Division One South. They passed the ball around superbly and the early signs are that they will go up again. Versatile full-back Neil Austin has Football League experience with Hartlepool while strikers Paul Clayton and Damian Reeves have formed a formidable partnership. Promotion remains the sole aim for under-pressure Steve Evans, who has been criticized for Mansfield Town’s uninspiring football so far this term and is likely to rotate his side. 2-1

AFC Fylde v Kidderminster

Kidderminster Harriers are starting to find form in the National League North. Forward Joe Ironside and defender Fraser Horsfall were key to a 2-1 win at Stockport County, which extended their unbeaten league run to four games. Kiddy were beaten to the title last term by AFC Fylde, who are starting to find their feet in their new division. Last Saturday’s 4-0 win at Solihull Moors means Dave Challinor’s side have taken 10 points from their last four, as defender Jordan Tunnicliffe prepares to face his old club. 2-1

AFC Wimbledon v Lincoln

Matt Rhead came back into Lincoln City’s starting eleven against Crawley on Saturday. The target man was perhaps overused and as their opponents grew wiser to the Imps’ direct strategy, the midfield lacked the imagination to find alternative routes to goal. AFC Wimbledon lost a big striker of their own, Tom Elliott, to Millwall in the summer and have struggled to replace his hold-up play. With the two teams having scored 25 goals between them in a combined 32 league games, goalmouth action could be in short supply. 0-0