Penrith and Carlisle City both have home draws in the FA Cup this coming season, but Kendal Town must travel.
The extra-preliminary round ties are to be played on Saturday, August 8 and Kendal Town chairman Michael O’Neill says he wasn’t surprised the Mintcakes were drawn away.
He told Cumbria Crack: “I was joking with our media manager prior to the draw that we always get drawn away to a North East team, and true to form, we did.”
Kendal must travel to Newton Aycliffe for their first venture in this year’s competition but if they get through that have a home game in the preliminary round against Heaton Stannington.
For Carlisle City, they have home advantage in the extra preliminary round against Northallerton Town and a win then would earn them a follow-up tie at Gillford Park against Dunston.
Dan Kirkup, the City manager, said: “I’m always happy with home draws. We have never done that well in the FA Cup over the years so a run and money into the club would be great.”
It’s mixed news for Penrith, though, for if they get through at home to Bridlington Town there’s a preliminary round trip on the horizon to Newcastle Benfield or Redcar Town.
Winners in the extra preliminary round will earn £1,125 with the losers picking up £375 while those in the preliminary round will receive £1,444 or £481 depending on the result.
In the FA Vase first round qualifying Carlisle City face a trip to Billingham Synthonia and the winners will be at home to Tadcaster Albion in the second round qualifying.
Kirkup said: “The Vase is a competition new want to do well in, as does every club at our level. We have an away tie to start with isn’t ideal but it’s a winnable game and then a home game if we can get through.”
Penrith have a bye to the second round qualifying, where they will travel to either Chester-le-Street Town or Redcar.
Kendal Town are at home to Steeton in the FA Vase before a trip to Thackley or Yarm and Eaglescliffe if they are successful.
O’Neill said: “I’m happy that we are at home in the Vase. More home games always helps. In terms of the opposition in both competitions our opponents are unknown quantities so we will all need to do our homework.
“We haven’t had a deep run in either competition for quite some time so we’re certainly due some progress. Fingers crossed we can win some games and gain some momentum.”
Holker Old Boys come into the Vase at the second qualifying round stage and have a home game against Seaton Carew.
