A storm running up from northern France is threatening our region with strong winds and copious amounts of rain. It’s a situation that will need careful monitoring by groundsmen in Sussex, Kent and Surrey and there is a possibility that some FA Cup games might need to played on another day. After three rounds of frantic FA Cup action, six Sussex teams are in the hunt for that glory and fortune which goes with making it to the first round Proper and beyond. Just ask Miles Rutherford of Chichester how good it feels. Last season Chi progressed through these early rounds and then made national headlines when winning a first round proper bye, live on TV. In the second round they drew Tranmere Rovers on the Wirral, where his team put up a brilliant show, again live on TV, eventually losing 5-1. For teams at Isthmian level that kind of success happens very rarely, but financially it can set up a club for the next decade. However, lightning could strike twice for the West Sussex club... Chichester City v Risborough Rangers Chichester are at it again! They showed great character when beating Basingstoke on penalties and then beat Cribbs from Bristol in the previous round. Their reward, a home tie against Hellenic League Risborough Rangers from Buckinghamshire. Lower league Rangers have done very well to get this far and have already won three league games. They are looking to bring nearly 100 fans with them to West Sussex. So, they will travel in confident mood. But the management down at Chi will have all this noted and they know how to win FA Cup ties. I confidently predict a brilliant and successful Saturday afternoon for Chichester connections. Chipstead v East Grinstead There is something of a massive revival going on at the GAC Stadium in Mid Sussex. The Wasps were cannon fodder last season in the Isthmian League and were certainties for a drop into County football until Covid halted all football operations. Over the summer the club have bought well and have started the season very much on the front foot. They progressed in the last round by beating one of our Isthmian premier teams, Worthing, on penalties. That was after being 3-1 down with only 15 mins to play. They also ‘surprised’ their neighbours Haywards Heath 4-1 in the league. Chipstead play in the South Central league so are at the same level but are currently pointless. Having recently been to their ground I can report that the grass is in brilliant condition. Again, I confidently predict a Sussex win here as EG are flying and on paper this looks to be a relatively easy awayday. Hayes and Yeading v Bognor. Having survived a real scare at lowly South Park (on pens) the Rocks have been given another huge test of their FA Cup credentials. It a certainty that all connections would have favoured a home tie but the vagaries of those black balls have offered something very challenging indeed, a trip to Southern prem side Hayes and Yeading. This club have a wealth of FA Cup tradition and play in a very ‘competitive’ league where vast distances have to be travelled. The hosts will be revelling in the tie having beat Margate at Hartsdown in the previous round and picking up their first league win last Tuesday. Rocks managers Jack Pearce and Robbie Blake will have done copious amounts of homework as they will be desperate to progress into the next round. Its sure to be an electric atmosphere complete with a full set of home and away fans. As to the result I fear the worst if Bognor aren’t at 100% Havant and Waterlooville v Horsham Fc (at Bognor, Sunday 3pm, no fans allowed) Horsham are settling into their new home very nicely and confidently beat Kingstonian in the previous round. Popular manager Dominic Di Paola is quietly building for the future and is assembling an exciting team around him. Come May I would expect the Hornets to be in the Isthmian Premier promotion shake up. As for the FA Cup they have been handed what looked like a difficult trip to National South Havant and Waterlooville. However, a switch in venues from Havant to Nyewood Lane, Bognor (owing to the new 4G pitch in Havant not being ready) might have levelled the chances. In addition, owing to Covid issues, there won't be any fans in - plus Havant yet kicked a ball in anger this season. I am going with Horsham here to cause a small upset with a certain Rob O’Toole creating the standout moment. Dorking Wanderers v Eastbourne Borough This tie is a difficult one to make any judgement on as neither team has yet kicked a ball in anger. Both clubs operate in the yet to be started National South. In addition, the absence of fans will diminish that furtive home atmosphere that they can create. Eastbourne will need to shrug off a recent poor run in the Cup and they will be eyeing up some much-needed prize money. Let’s just say that I think Borough are in for a very tough afternoon. Ebbsfleet United v Hastings (no fans allowed) Had fans being allowed to attend this fixture I truly believe it would have been the tie of the round up and down the country. Stonebridge Road Stadium would have been packed to the rafters with many from Hastings all making a right old din. It would have created an ‘old school’ atmosphere which I am sure that the Hastings management and players would have thrived in. However, that is now just pure fantasy as the ground will fall relatively silent. On the pitch Ebbsfleet will, of course, start as heavy favourites but I am prepared to throw my money towards Chris Agutter and his defence. United do not seem to concede goals, which is important when playing in an away cup tie. The Pilot Field men to win 1-0 or take it to pens at 0-0 in a nerve shredding match. So six ties to unravel this weekend, weather permitting, with five Sussex teams on the road while Chi have the only home draw. Good luck to every Sussex connection - it would be fantastic if all six could progress to the next round. Please follow the action on twitter @bowmanontheroad from Ebbsfleet on Saturday from midday and hopefully from Horsham's game at Nyewood Lane on Sunday. @bowmanontheroad