Local derbies on the cards in FA Cup

7:05am Thursday 3rd July 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Neighbours WIVENHOE TOWN and STANWAY ROVERS could be set to lock horns in the FA Cup.

The stage is set for the two clubs to meet in the preliminary round of the competition on August 30, at Broad Lane.

However, the Dragons will have to win their extra preliminary round clash with Barkingside, while Stanway Rovers must see off Welwyn Garden City at the Hawthorns.

Elsewhere in the FA Cup draw, WITHAM TOWN have been drawn at home to Essex rivals MALDON TOWN in the preliminary round.

The all-Ryman League division one north clash represents a return for former Witham manager Russell Tanner.

The winners of the Witham-Maldon game will then play the victors from the Cogenhoe United-Northampton Spencer clash, on September 13.

Maldon boss Russell Tanner, who led Witham to promotion to division one north in 2006, said it promises to be a special' atmosphere when he returns to his former stomping ground.

Tanner said: "I've got a good relationship with Tony (Last) and a lot of water has passed under the bridge since I was there.

"Not many of my players are left at Witham now but this match will be special.

"Both teams will be fresh as they will only have played a couple of league games then it will be straight into cup action."

Witham chairman and manager Last said: "We look forward to any cup games as they can be a refreshing change to the league programme, but this one should be particularly entertaining."

Meanwhile, Witham face a trip to play either Soham Town Rangers or Redbridge in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy, while Maldon play host to fellow Ryman League division one north club Cheshunt in the competition.

HARWICH AND PARKESTON travel to play Raunds Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup with a trip to Woodford United the prize.

FC CLACTON could take on Essex neighbours Stansted, providing they see off St Margaretsbury.

Ridgeons League division one champions TIPTREE UNITED play North Greenford United, with Haringey Borough or Bedfont awaiting the winners.

Fellow Ridgeons League outfit HALSTEAD TOWN have been handed a home draw against Essex Senior League outfit London ASPA on August 16.

If they win, they will be at home to either Stofold or Colney Heath in the preliminary round of the competition, with the prospect of facing either Tilbury or Leighton Town at home awaiting the winners in the first qualifying round.

Ryman League premier division club HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS enter the competition at the first qualifying round stage.

They have been given a home draw against either Redbridge or Uxbridge at Scraley Road.

l Harwich and Parkeston face an all-Essex affair in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase.

The Shrimpers will travel to Essex Senior League outfit Burnham Ramblers on September 6, for the right to progress to the second qualifying round.

FA Vase first qualifying round (selected ties): Burnham Ramblers v Harwich and Parkeston.

Second qualifying round: Halstead Town v Hanwell or Barking; FC Clacton v Ruislip Manor; Tiptree United v Broxbourne Borough V&E or Beaumont Athletic.

First round proper: A.F.C. Kempston Rovers or Kentish Town vs Clapton or Thrapston Town or Burnham Ramblers or Harwich and Parkeston; Halstead Town v Hanwell or Barking v Kingsbury London Tigers or Raunds Town; Potton United or Bugbrooke St. Michaels v Wivenhoe Town; FC Clacton or Ruislip Manor vs Bedfont Green or Rothwell Corinthians; Tiptree United or Broxbourne Borough V&E or Beaumont Athletic v Hertford Town.