The draw for the Third Round Qualifying, with matches being played the weekend after next, was made at Soho Square this morning.

AFC Newbury and Brockenhurst had outstanding Cup wins on Saturday, respectively at Nationwide Conference South Basingstoke and Lewes, and continue to fly the Sydenhams Wessex League flag into the Third Qualifying Round. Neither club has ever made it into the Competition Proper, now just two victories away, and they had mixed luck in today’s draw.

The Brockenhurst “Badgers” from the New Forest have an attractive home tie with Southern League Premier Division Bath City, who have reached the Third Round Proper six times and knocked out 11 Football League clubs in their history. AFC Newbury, on the other hand, must travel to another Conference South side – Bognor Regis Town, who won a seven-goal thriller against Cirencester Town on Saturday.

Conference South high-flyers Hornchurch had a comprehensive 3-0 win at Harwich & Parkeston and will now be expected to progress at home to Ryman League First Division Dulwich Hamlet.

The Hornchurch “Urchins” won through to the Second Round Proper for the first time last season before Tranmere Rovers put them out controversially at Bridge Avenue. AFC Wimbledon have a tie at their own “Fans’ Stadium”, following away successes at Dover and Dunstable but Conference South Thurrock, who held Luton Town to a 1-1 home draw in last season’s First Round Proper, will give them a hard game.