FA Trophy specialists Woking can ease into second round

FA Trophy first round
Kick-offs 3pm Saturday

Woking are among the three most successful clubs in FA Trophy history, alongside Telford and Scarborough, and the three-time winners can get their 2018-19 challenge off to a strong start by recording a home victory over Maidstone in the first round.

Woking were relegated from the National League last season but they are making a decent bid to bounce back at the first attempt.

They are third in the National League South, just two points behind leaders Torquay, who have played two games more.

The Cards' top priority is to secure promotion but their next league game, a trip to fellow highflyers Billericay, isn't until next Saturday so there is every reason for them to give the Maidstone contest their full attention.

Maidstone have been a National League club since winning promotion in 2016 but they have been in decline, finishing 14th in 2016-17 and 19th last season.

This term they are second bottom, four points adrift of safety, and appear likely to relinquish their fifth-tier status in 2019.

The Kent outfit are low on confidence after losing their last four matches and another defeat looks likely against Woking, who may be swapping places with them before next season.

Eastleigh are eyeing up a promotion to the EFL (they are just three points off the National League playoffs) and should fancy their chances at Hemel Hempstead, who are eighth in the National League South.

The teams are separated by 23 places on the league ladder and Eastleigh, winners of five of their last six away games, look value.

Higher-division status could also hold sway in the fixture between National League Barnet and National League South outfit Bath at the Hive.

Barnet were strong enough to knock Sky Bet League One strugglers Bristol Rovers out of the FA Cup and look solid favourites.

Recommendations
Woking
2pts 23-18 188Bet
Eastleigh
2pts 10-9 188Bet
Barnet
1pt 4-5 Betfred, Ladbrokes, 188Bet

Bet on these matches at Soccerbase.com

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