Magic v stags would be one to watch
What comp is Cardiff city in ? And isn't there a forum regular closely associated with Cardiff ?
Funny how you didn't see the teams come out of the bucket!! You would have thought that there may be a few more NBN match-ups. I think it should be an open draw for all those involved and actually allow teams to have a home advantage. What is the reason behind having a number of games at the same venue..?
anyone got any inside word on when the dates/venues will be released?
It is as with most things a combination of factors.
Clubs willing to host games is a major factor, not a lot of clubs are willing to set up, take down, host full canteens etc for a single home game. Having been involved in a club hosting a first round last year it is a very profitable day if a club is willing (weather providing).
Referees, they want it to be an opening for them as well as teams for the coming season so they like to have a high a level of refs available at each ground possible. Less grounds means less refs needed meaning higher standards can be met all the way down the grades. And it gives Inspectors a chance to see multiple referees easily at one venue on a day.
Grounds - clubs aside there are still only so many grounds actually prepared and available for competition games for round one.
Remembering many lower div sides still rely on only Council prepared fields and don't have the volunteers or finances to pay for additional ground marking etc for a one off knockout game.
Paying Spectators - for those who do decide to charge people get the chance to arrive a bit early or stay after their own clubs game and see more football. Coaches and players from the higher divisions can be seen there watching any games of opponents as it is a rare chance to see opposition teams.
Northern - it is just easier for them to deal with a smaller number of host clubs when dealing with team sheets, instructions etc
I just wish the venues and dates etc will hurry up and get released...
same - we've got trial games to plan and possibly canteens and whatnot to organise
whoever is from Tenambit Sharks can you return phone calls to Northern, it's kind of holding up the draw process
it was just a question about hosting
well it's obviously been sorted because the draw is out
attempting to attach now, just have to change settings for upload size
yep
here's the other southern draw involving Interdistrict team