'Derby' tie in the TV spotlight

They will do so in the glare of television cameras as they face local rivals Maltby Main in the extra preliminary round, a tie which starts off the season-long trek to the final next May.

Sky TV will be present as part of an FA Cup round-up with Dinnington and Maltby’s big evening among those to be featured the following day.

“We are over the moon to get this chance in our first entry into the FA Cup and to be featuring on TV as well,” said Dinnington secretary Chris Dearns.

“To get the chance to even play in the competition is quite an achievement for the club and reward for all the hard work that has gone into the ground over the last few years to allow us to progress into the NorthernCounties East League.

“It is also Centenary Year for Dinnington football for, in 1908, Dinnington Colliery played the first football on the ground, so a big thank- you must go to the miners all those years ago for starting it off and for giving us this opportunity.''

“We know we will feature on Sky TV who will be doing interviews and filming the game although, obviously, not for live coverage. The FA Cup will be here but under strict guard although there will be an opportunity for supporters to get a close look and have a photograph.

“We hope the tie will put both Dinnington and Maltby in the spotlight to show local football fans that, at just 4, they don't have to pay a fortune to see a good standard of football."

The same night Emley entertain Darwen whilst, on Saturday, Hallam are at home to Nelson, Brodsworth MW entertain Parkgate and Armthorpe Welfare go to Winterton.

The winners at this first stage get 500 from the FA Cup pool.

In the next stage, the preliminary round, Stocksbridge Park Steels come into it and have a home tie against Curzon Ashton whilst Sheffield travel to Cammell Laird, both on September 1. If they get through then Steels would have a derby at Frickley Athletic in the first qualifying round on September 15.

Preliminary round ties: Brodsworth or Parkgate v Alsager Town, Rossendale Utd v Dinnington Town or Maltby Main, Hallam or Nelson v Emley or Darwen, Cammell Laird v Sheffield, Castle View or Brierley Hill v Staveley MW.