Comment: It's game on in non-league

Premier League and Championship sides are not in action – and a few other Football League clubs have had to postpone their fixtures – but non-league is in full swing, writes Joe Edwards.

League fixtures and FA Cup first qualifying round games are aplenty – and all of the teams on our patch would very much appreciate your support.

A major source of income for part-time clubs is the tickets they sell on a matchday.

Those funds help to pay their players, they maintain catering and travel costs, and assist the general upkeep of their grounds – which, of course, is boosted by the invaluable work of volunteers.

Market Drayton Town are in action in the FA Cup at the first qualifying round stage.

The Evo-Stik Northern League First Division South side welcome Alvechurch to Greenfields tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

Martyn Davies’ charges needed a replay and penalties to get past Sporting Khalsa in the previous round, and this should be another hard-fought encounter.

Also in the cup are Haughmond, who host Matlock Town.

The Mond won the West Midlands Premier last season and have started this campaign pretty well, especially in the cup as they have won at both Wolverhampton Sporting and Bedworth United.

Matlock are two divisions above and are the favourites, but that will not faze the home side. There are also many sides across the county playing in the Midland League and the West Midlands League too – offering a wholehearted 90 minutes of football.

And in the second tier of non-league, National League North, AFC Telford United are in action at home.

Managed by former Wolves man Rob Edwards, they go up against Blyth Spartans at the New Bucks Head.

The Bucks are yet to win at home this term so will be desperate to put on a show, and follow on from a strong 3-0 victory at Leamington on Monday.

Having covered them home and away for more than a year now, it is safe to say the football in the division is of a high standard.

And if you are one of those who likes to get there nice and early, the Learning Centre Bar will be open, as will the club shop.

Overall, the non-league game offers something the likes of the Premier League and Championship cannot – a community feel, where paying to get in and watch is making a real difference.

At most places, the management team and players will mix with supporters after the game in the ground’s bar – enjoying a drink and a chat about the game.

Higher up in the pyramid, there seems to be an ever-growing disconnect between a club’s fans and players, but that camaraderie is still apparent at the lower levels – it is a big pull.

Not everyone is going to take to it, granted, but it is certainly worth giving a go.

And who knows, you might just become a die-hard follower of your local non-league club for many years to come.