RUNCORN Linnets, Runcorn Town and Widnes now know their opponents for the early rounds of this year's FA knockout competitions.

Town will be the first in action, hosting Bradford-based outfit Thackley in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on Tuesday, September 1.

However, in line with current coronavirus guidelines, the fixture will be played behind closed doors.

On the prospect of crowds returning to matches, an FA statement read: "The FA is currently working closely with the Government on the return of spectators at football matches at FA National League System level.

"Unless the Government permits the return of spectators at football matches prior to the Extra Preliminary Round, matches in this round will be played behind closed doors, with no spectators in attendance.

"This position will be reviewed by The FA on an ongoing basis prior to each round of each Competition and updates will be provided as soon as possible."

Linnets and Widnes enter the FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage, for which ties have also been drawn as have early rounds of the FA Trophy and FA Vase.

Here are the full draws involving our teams:

FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round (ties to be played Tuesday, September 1):

Runcorn Town vs Thackley

FA Cup, Preliminary Round (ties to be played Saturday, September 12):

Runcorn Linnets vs Campion/Albion Sports

Runcorn Town/Thackley vs Brighouse Town

Widnes vs Longridge Town/Winsford United

FA Vase, second qualifying round (ties to be played Saturday, October 10):

Staveley MW/AFC Darwen vs Runcorn Town

FA Trophy, second qualifying round (ties to be played Saturday, October 17):

Sheffield v Runcorn Linnets

Widnes v Colne