South Shields are flying high in the National League North, having only tasted defeat for the first time in 13 league games this weekend against Macclesfield. They have averaged two goals per game so far this season, whilst only conceding six, they are a very strong side for the level.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury are struggling in League Two, just one point and one place above the drop zone, but they have been more competitive of late, on a small unbeaten run of four games with two wins and two draws. They have also managed to score in four of their last five league games.

With only 26 places between these two in the pyramid, and with the sides seemingly at differing ends of the morale scale, I fancy South Shields to give this a good go, particularly with home advantage, I see both sides finding the net.

Eastleigh are an established National League side, having played at this level since gaining promotion in 2013/14. They have had a couple of pops at the play-offs, whilst never seriously looking in danger of dropping back down to the National League South.

Having finished 13th in the last two seasons, they currently sit 12th, appearing to the lack quality to reach the EFL, but a steady enough side to compete without danger of relegation. Their form has been mixed, with six wins, four draws and six losses.

Their opponents Walsall are currently top of League Two, despite failing to win their last three games, which shows just how up for grabs the fourth tier is this season. The underlying numbers suggest they are overachieving by six points, but the whole top half is only separated by five, so it’s not a big drop off form where they actually are.

They should be easily good enough to see of a midtable National League side, and should get back to winning ways here.

Eighth tier Maldon & Tiptree are the lowest ranked side to qualify for the FA Cup First Round proper. They are top of the Isthmian League North Division, having lost just one of 12 games this season.

And whilst you may fancy an upset, with Port Vale languishing in 21st in League One and winless in four, you are looking at the biggest underachievers in the third tier according to FotMob’s xG table, who actually have them 18 places higher in 3rd place. They say that Vale should be 11 points better off based on chances created/conceded, with their attacking deficiency being the main factor, having scored 8.8 goals less than expected.

Up against a less skilled opponent, Maldon & Tiptree may well feel the brunt of Vale’s frustration in this one, and I’m expecting the Valiants to be able to run up a big scoreline.

Gainsborough compete in the Northern Premier Division, and are currently 5th in the league with 22 points from 12 matches. They reached the First Round proper after beating National League side Hartlepool in a replay. They reached the Second Round last season, and to do so in consecutive years would be a brilliant achievement.

Accrington Stanley are currently 21st in League Two, and whilst I think they’re not massive underperformers, they are good for an extra five points according to the FotMOB Expected Points table. They have only won one of their last seven games, but did get a draw at home to Tranmere on Tuesday night, where they were by far the better team, winning the xG battle 2 v 0.5.

They should have too much quality for their lower league opposition.