THE long road to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - rather than Wembley - begins tomorrow for a number of non-league clubs in the region.

Preliminary rounds of the AXA-sponsored FA Cup take place, with a number of UniBond League and Northern Counties East League clubs bidding to progress to the more lucrative stages of the competition.

Despite their poor start to the UniBond division one season, Harrogate Town will expect to win at North West Counties League division one outfit Bacup Borough.

Town have suffered four defeats in their opening four league games, though director of football Graham Shepherd was confident their fortunes would change.

"It will come right," he said.

"The manager has brought some superb players to the club and (chairman) Bill Fotherby is behind everybody.

"There is plenty of confidence in the camp - it's not doom and gloom. We just need to stick the ball in the net.

"We can take heart from the fact Accrington did not win a game in their first six last season yet went on to win the league."

Tomorrow gives Town a welcome break from the league campaign, but Shepherd added: "It's the FA Cup which can throw up crazy games, so we know it won't be easy."

Two of the region's Northern Counties East League sides are set for relatively tougher tests, with away games at UniBond League clubs.

Pickering Town travel to Kendal Town, while Selby Town, hopefully with midfielder Stuart Lee back from injury, visit Winsford United.

The Pikes had Kendal watched when they played at North Ferriby last week and, despite being two leagues below their hosts, are confident of getting a result.

"They've played four games and not won one, having drawn three, and we're going over there with a team which has improved by 30 per cent on last year," said manager Jimmy Reid.

"I'm not going to be daft and say we'll wallop them but our season has started well and if we are knocked out it won't be through lack of preparation. It's a big challenge and I'm looking forward to it. It gives us something to get our teeth into and gives us a good benchmark for how we're going to do this season."

Harrogate Railway visit in-form Castleton Gabriels, of North West Counties League, with a few injury worries.

The major doubt is defender Phil Walker, who has a scratched eyeball due to problems with a contact lens, while midfielder Jared Williams and striker Joe Gardham are hopeful of recovering from a dead leg and flu, respectively.

Tadcaster Albion definitely have some players ruled out for their trip to Northern League division two outfit Evenwood Town.

Striker Darren Wilson, midfielder Ross Bardey and Johnny Hill are all unavailable while Darren Hunt is out with knee trouble. Fit again Matthew Cressey and Lee Maguire are likely to step in for the first two.

Goole meanwhile play host to Boldon CA, who are also a Northern League outfit.

Elsewhere, York RI travel to Wakefield still seeking their first win of the West Yorkshire League season, having drawn their first game 0-0 and lost the next three.

Both Knaresborough Town and champions Nestl Rowntree are unbeaten, however, the latter maintaining their 100 per cent record with a 1-0 defeat of previous table-toppers Bardsey on Wednesday, while Town halted an RI comeback to win 4-2 at New Lane.

Trees play host to Rothwell tomorrow while Town, who have fielded three different 'keepers in three games, are set to see Jonathan Jackson return in goal for their home clash with Pontefract Sports and Social.

PICTURE: DAGGERS DRAWN: Scarborough striker Steve Brodie will be looking to kill off the hopes of Conference newcomers Dagenham and Redbridge at the McCain Stadium