Where you can support Non-League Day this weekend
If you’re a football fan who has never been to watch any of our local non-League sides, this weekend is the perfect time to do it.
With no Premier League or Championship matches scheduled because of the international break, and England playing on Friday, fans who would normally go to the likes of Chelsea, Fulham, QPR and Brentford are being urged to support other local teams.
Non-League Day was conceived in 2010 by QPR fan James Doe and has proved a huge success, receiving widespread national press coverage and increasing crowds at grounds across the country.
James, who follows the fortunes of Harrow Borough when not at Loftus Road, said the idea was came to him after he heard of Harrow’s fundraising campaign for new floodlights.
This year, there are several big matches in the area, with two FA Cup ties and a local derby in the Ryman Premier Division.
Hampton & Richmond Borough host Hendon in that one, with discounted tickets on offer as part of the club’s family day. Children will also get the chance to have a free photo with mascot Bertie the Beaver and some of the first-team players.
Hanwell Town, from Southern League Division One, have made it to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history and are expecting a good crowd as they host Ryman Premier high-flyers Grays Athletic.
Hanwell’s league rivals Uxbridge, who stunned National League South side Dartford in the last round, host Chippenham Town from the division above them, hoping to make it beyond this stage for the first time in 110 years.
North Greenford United, who also play in Hanwell and Uxbridge’s division, entertain Chalfont St. Peter in a league game, with local MP Stephen Pound among the dignitaries and money raised for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Hayes & Yeading United are away at Bishop’s Stortford, where it is free to get in if wearing fancy dress, and Northwood travel to Fleet Town.
Wealdstone and Harrow Borough are without a game, but there are matches at AFC Hayes, Spelthorne Sports, CB Hounslow United and Harefield United.
For more information on Non-League Day, visit www.nonleagueday.co.uk.
Full list of local matches on Non-League Day
FA Cup third qualifying round
Hanwell Town v Grays Athletic
Uxbridge v Chippenham Town
Ryman Premier Division
Hampton & Richmond Borough v Hendon
Southern League Division One Central
North Greenford United v Chalfont St. Peter
Combined Counties League Premier Division
AFC Hayes v Guildford City
Ashford Town (Middx) v Raynes Park Vale
Spelthorne Sports v Cove
Combined Counties League Division One
CB Hounslow United v Ash United
Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Harefield United v Bedford Town
