Emirates FA Cup draw update...
The Seasiders have been drawn AWAY to Canvey Island in the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup
The Seasiders head to familiar surroundings in the Emirates FA Cup, to Park Lane, Canvey Island following todays draw.
Canvey play in the Isthmian Premier Division after promotion via the North Division Play-Offs in 21/22, including a semi-final victory over Felixstowe. The Gulls needed a last gasp winner to defeat MK Irish in the First Qualifying Round on Saturday at the Movie Starr Stadium and sit just above the bottom 4 with 3 points from their opening 5 league fixtures.
The Seasiders, of course, progressed to this stage thanks to a comprehensive replay win over Bury Town and a 5-1 success versus Leverstock Green on Saturday. We'll be looking to make the Third Qualifying Round for only the second time in our history, matching the best run in 2016/17 when the dream was ended at Beaconsfield, one stage before the National League teams enter, and two stages before the EFL teams enter. This is the fourth occasion we have reached the Second Qualifying - North Greenford after a replay in 2010/11 and Enfield Town last season being the others.
For Canvey Island, they have enjoyed a rich history of FA Cup success, most notably reaching the 3rd Round Proper back in 2001/02 and have taken several league scalps along the way. More recently the Second Round Proper was reached as an Isthmian North club in 2020/21, although disappointingly it was during covid times so fans were unable to witness it in person.
The winners of the Second Qualifying Round tie pick up £3375, on top of the £1444 won in the Preliminary Round and £2250 banked in the First Qualifying round. The losers lick their wounds for another year and collect £1125 consolation prize money.
News of any official coach travel will be announced in due course.
Author- Chris Daynes