Recap: Chester draw AFC Telford United in FA Trophy first round again
What's happening?
The draw for the first round proper of the FA Trophy will be released at lunchtime on Monday.
Who's in the hat?
Along with Chester FC, the draw will includes the 23 other clubs from the National League and 40 winners of the third qualifying round ties, although there's a number of replays scheduled to take place this week and several rearranged games because of the wet weather.
The draw is regionalised but not seeded so the Blues could well pull Wrexham or Tranmere Rovers. Familiar clubs from further down the pyramid include Chorley and Skelmersdale United, who will replay on Tuesday night, AFC Fylde and Curzon Ashton.
Man of the moment Jamie Vardy's former club Stocksbridge Park Steels are a possible opponent, as are Sutton Coldfield Town, who beat Stalybridge Celtic. There's no chance of reunion with Neil Young however as his Stockport County side lost to Nantwich Town.
When will the ties take place?
The first round proper will take place on the weekend of Saturday, December 12.
How much is it worth to the club?
Winning through to the second round will earn the Blues a welcome £5,000. If Chester went all the way to Wembley and won the FA Trophy that would be worth £92,000. Not to be sniffed at.
What does Chester's record look like in the competition?
The Blues haven't performed particularly well in the FA Trophy since reforming in 2010. The club has entered the competition four times and failed to make it past the first hurdle on three occasions.
Last season AFC Telford United knocked them out in a penalty shoot-out after the tie and subsequent replay both finished 1-1.
The season before Chester fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Barrow and in 2012-13 lower league Worksop Town sent them crashing out at the third qualifying round stage, winning through 2-0 in a replay after the first game had ended 2-2.
Chester did make it through to the second round in 2011-12, beating Stafford Rangers, Stourbridge and North Ferriby United before losing to Ebbsfleet United.
Go back a little further and the Blues did make the semi-final in 2000-01 under Graham Barrow. However, the dream turned sour as Ryman Premier League part-timers Canvey Island won both legs 2-0 and went on to beat Forest Green Rovers in the final.
Look: Images from Chester's FA Trophy semi-final defeat at Canvey Island in 2001
Where can I find out the draw?
The Chronicle will be running a live blog between 11am and 1pm providing full coverage of the draw including previewing possible opponents, Chester's past FA Trophy campaigns and full reaction when the draw has been announced.
