Isuzu FA Trophy draw announced....)
The Seasiders have been drawn AWAY to Bishop's Stortford in the First Round Proper of the Isuzu FA Trophy
Southern League Premier Division Central opponents await the Seasiders following this afternoons draw. Stortford sit mid table in the Step 3 division with 14 points from their opening 9 league games after relegation from the National League North last season.
They needed a penalty shoot out to beat Flackwell Heath to progress to this stage but are also still involved in the Emirates FA Cup with a tasty local derby at Braintree coming up this weekend where a place in the First Round Proper awaits the winners.
The Seasiders have beaten Basildon, Enfield and Haringey Borough to secure a place in the next round.
The sides have only faced each once before, and many see that match as the catalyst to much of our success over recent years. 3 steps separated the sides when we hosted the then National League South Blues in a FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie in 2016/17, with a bumper crowd in the shadow of the building site of the new clubhouse raising the roof thanks to a last minute winner to cause a major cup-set! Although not having played each other in any other competitive fixture, The Seasiders did visit the impressive home of Bishop's Stortford last season when playing then tenants Enfield.
The winners of the First Round tie pick up £3000 from the prize fund, on top of the £6200 already banked in the earlier rounds. The losers collect £775 consolation money.
The tie is scheduled to take place on Saturday 26th October with a 3pm kick off.
If level after 90 minutes, the winner will be decided on the day with penalties.
Details of official supporters travel will be announced in due course.
Author- Chris Daynes