FA Cup preview: Wrexham in the limelight as campaign kicks off

The oldest cup competition in the world gets underway this weekend as excitement builds ahead of the first round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Non-league sides will dream of giant-killings as the likes of Chesterfield, Wrexham, Halifax and Yeovil Town enter the competition.

Wrexham, who are owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, will host Blyth Spartans in front of the television cameras on Sunday.

Here, the PA news agency looks ahead to the first round of the competition.

Wrexham in the spotlight

Wrexham's Hollywood owners will be hoping their investment can inspire the National League side to a famous victory on Sunday.

The Welsh club, who are aiming to reach the Football League for the first time since 2008, will be one of the most high-profile non-league teams in the first round.

Reynolds and McElhenney have pledged to transform the fortunes of Wrexham and promotion back to the Football League would be a major step towards achieving their goal.

Chesterfield aim to make amends

Chesterfield, who reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1997, will be aiming to make amends for their disappointing National League campaign last season.

The Spireites finished 14th in the league and will be hoping for a better run in the FA Cup, which has provided them with some memorable moments in the past.

Chesterfield have reached the semi-finals of the competition three times, most recently in 1997, and they will be hoping to make another deep run this season.

Halifax hope to upset League One opposition

Halifax, who won the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2021, will be hoping to cause an upset when they host League One side Morecambe.

The Shaymen have made a solid start to the season in the National League and will be confident of causing an upset against their higher-ranked opponents.

Halifax have a good record in the FA Cup, having reached the quarter-finals in 1988, and they will be hoping to make another deep run this season.

Yeovil Town aim to bounce back from relegation

Yeovil Town, who were relegated from League Two last season, will be hoping to bounce back with a good run in the FA Cup.

The Glovers have a good history in the competition, having reached the semi-finals in 2004, and they will be hoping to make another deep run this season.

Yeovil will host National League North side AFC Fylde in the first round and they will be confident of progressing to the second round.