WINSFORD United will have home advantage when they launch their latest campaign in both the FA Cup and FA Vase.

Blues’ first objective in the former is to avoid a repeat of last season’s early exit at the hands of Maine Road.

To do that, they must overcome another North West Counties League top-flight rival in the form of Irlam.

Lee Duckworth’s men act as hosts for an extra preliminary round encounter at Barton Stadium on Saturday, August 11, kick-off 3pm.

Should they prevail, a trip to Northern Premier League side Prescot Cables is a reward at the next stage.

The Football Association has advised that a total of 736 clubs have entered this season, with 368 of those in action on Saturday, August 11.

Each winning club collects £2,250, an increase of £750 on last term’s reward for a triumph at the same stage.

A new league season is scheduled to start seven days earlier.

Meanwhile Winsford were paired with Liversedge, from the Northern Counties East League’s Premier Division, in a draw for the FA Vase first qualifying round published on Friday.

The teams have never met previously.

Worksop Town or Grimsby Borough will be guests of the victors in the second qualifying round.

Winsford play a first friendly of the summer when they visit Sandbach United tomorrow, Saturday.