The Pitching In Isthmian Football League

Derby date for Rocks

8 Oct 2012 By Peter Butcher

THE Ryman League's three definite FA Cup survivors all face away ties in the fourth qualifying round as they bid for places in the competition proper.

East Thurrock, though, have a short trip. Aiming to reach they first round for the second year running, they travel to nearby Conference South side Chelmsford.

Lowestoft have been drawn away to Conference Premier side Braintree, a shorter journey than they face for most of away league matches.

But Bury Town face a long trek into Dorset to meet Conference South high-flyers Dorchester.

The luck of the draw has certainly favoured Met Police, who have the chance to reach the first round without playing any club from a higher level than Step 5. If they win their home replay against Dereham on Wednesday they will be away to Combined Counties League side South Park.

There will be step 5 opposition, too, for Hastings if they survive their difficult replay at Hitchin tonight (Monday). The winners will be at home to mid-table Wessex League side Blackfield & Langley.

Two other Ryman clubs have home replays tomorrow: Hendon face Eastbourne Borough and will visit Histon or Corby Town if they go through, while Thurrock will be at home to Chalfont St Peter or Bishop's Stortford if they get the better of Welling.

Where next?

Ryman clubs back Non-League Day IT’S Non-League Day on Saturday, when many clubs take advantage of the absence of Premier League and Championship fixtures to attempt to lure new fans to their games.

Erhun's double sinks leaders RYMAN South leaders Folkestone travelled to Dulwich, where they were beaten in last season’s play-off semi-final, yesterday (Saturday) and the outcome was the same.