Common to face landlords on FA Cup debut
Today’s (Friday’s) draw for the world famous competition handed Common a home tie against Eastbourne United AFC in the extra preliminary round on Saturday August 5.
Common will play their home games at Eastbourne United’s ground, The Oval, during the 2017/18 campaign as their own home at Little Common Rec doesn’t meet the grading requirements for step six of the non-league pyramid.
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Hide AdThe Commoners finished runners-up in Macron Store Southern Combination Football League Division One last term with a century of league goals, while Eastbourne came seventh in the Premier Division.
The winners of the match will receive £1,500 and will be away to Chatham Town or Littlehampton Town in the preliminary round a fortnight later.
Common are one of 18 clubs from around the country who will be making their FA Cup debut next month. A total of 737 clubs have entered this season’s cup, with 370 of those starting their campaign on August 5 when 185 extra preliminary round ties will be played across the country.
Common will be away to Combined Counties League Premier Division outfit Walton & Hersham, meanwhile, in first round qualifying for the Buildbase FA Vase on Saturday September 9.
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Hide AdThe winners will earn £550 and a trip to Sporting Club Thamesmead in second round qualifying two weeks later.
Common’s neighbours Bexhill United have a bye through to second round qualifying, in which they will be away to Gravesham Borough or Cobham.