FA Trophy First Round Draw

The draw for the First Round of the FA Trophy was made earlier this afternoon, and the Conference National sides entered for the first time. We had Aveley, Carshalton Athletic, Enfield Town and Kingstonian definitely through to this stage, with Hornchurch facing a replay tomorrow night against Oxford City to book their place- so we had lots of interest in who drew who.

Aveley's Craig Johnson had been hoping for Torquay United away. Well unless global warming really worsens over the next few weeks he isn't going to get a sea view, as the Millers were drawn away to Carshalton Athletic! Both sides have been fabulous in cup competitions this season, and whilst the Robins will have to be favourites their opponents have already knocked three higher division sides out of the Trophy this season, so are unlikely to be overawed.

Kingstonian defeated AFC Sudbury on Saturday, but their next opponents are from three levels higher than the Yellows, as Woking travel to King George's Field. The Cards are currently seventh in the National League and won at Maidenhead United at the weekend- you might have seen that on TV if you got home early enough!

Enfield Town's reward for becoming the first side this season to defeat Maldon & Tiptree (apart from in a penalty shootout, before AFC Sudbury fans submit a written complaint) is a home draw with Ebbsfleet United. Fleet haven't had the best of start to their National League campaign and currently sit second bottom, but they have been better away from home than they have at home, winning three times as many matches on their travels. Mind you, three times as many still only equals three.

The Urchins, if they get past Oxford City, might have a reunion with Dulwich Hamlet to look forward to. We say "might have," because Hamlet have a replay too; they have to get past Chippenham Town. Whatever happens, a Hornchurch victory will see them play at home.

Matches are scheduled for Saturday 14th December, and winning clubs will pick up £4500.