3 Nov 2012

FA Cup continues its long path to Wembley

11:39 am on 3 November 2012

The first round proper of English football's FA Cup is underway with a 0-0 draw between Cambridge City and Milton Keynes Dons FC.

But while the big teams from the Premier League won't be taking part until the third round proper, there have already been six preliminary and qualifying rounds for the true minnows.

North Shields drew 1-1 with visitors Birtley Town in the FA Cup's extra preliminary round back on August the 11th, on the final day of the Olympics. The two sides from the Northern League's second division played in front of a crowd of 134 at North Shields' home ground near Newcastle's coast.

On Sunday the likes of the relegated former League Two side Hereford United, now in the Conference National, do battle at home with League One's Shrewsbury Town.

There are some well-known names in action though: Bristol Rovers of League Two host League One's Sheffield Utd in the pick of the ties.

Other famous old clubs competing this weekend include Portsmouth, Preston North End and Oxford United.