EASTLEIGH kick off their FA Trophy campaign this weekend with the visit of Isthmian Premier League Enfield Town to the Silverlake.

Thanks to their status as a National League side, Spitfires begin their campaign in the third round – meaning they are just five wins away from a trip to Wembley.

Meanwhile, their Hampshire neighbours AFC Totton visit Larkhall Athletic, with both clubs looking to reach the fourth round for the first time in their histories.

In stark contrast to Eastleigh, Stags have already negotiated five ties already – and must surely fancy their chances against a side ranked below them in the Southern League Division One South, even though Totton are away from home.

Stags fired five goals unanswered away at National South Concord Rangers to set-up the tie, whilst Larkhall edged past Southern League Premier South strugglers Wimborne Town.

Winning sides will receive £4,500 and of course, a place in the fourth round. Any side knocked out at this stage will receive £1,250.

There is some concern with two FA Trophy games already cancelled – with two sides forfeiting after COVID cases.

Whilst the FA allows a five day ‘postponement window’ for games to be rescheduled, the hectic Christmas schedule might see postponements turn into byes, as has already happened with National League Chesterfield and Maidenhead United.

Elsewhere Totton’s promotion rivals Sholing travel to play mid-table Highworth Town. Sholing currently have a game in hand on Stags, with victory for the Boatmen enough to take them over Totton and back into second place.