Sunderland await FA Cup opponents in live draw

The FA Cup first round draw takes place tonight with Sunderland in the hat.

For the first time in three decades, the Black Cats will enter the competition at the first round stage and will no doubt be seen as an attractive tie to many remaining in the competition.

The fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup took place on Saturday and Jack Ross will discover his firstever opponents in the historic competition this evening.

The FA Cup first round draw will be made live from 7pm on the BBC.

Hosted by Mark Chapman, the famous balls will be pulled out the bag during a televised show. WHAT BALL NUMBER ARE SUNDERLAND?

Sunderland will be ball number 43 in the first round draw. WHO COULD SUNDERLAND PLAY?

Sunderland could be handed a tie against any League One or Two side - plus those nonleague outfits that have battled their way through the qualification stages.

On a local level, National League Hartlepool United are through to the first round following a 1-0 home win over Evo-Stik West side Kidsgrove Athletic.

Gateshead are also in the hat, after easing past Northern League outfit Dunston UTS with a 4-0 victory.

And York City - of National League North - are also through, having knocked out fellow National League North side Blyth Spartans to reach the first round with a 1-0 win. HOW MUCH PRIZE MONEY COULD SUNDERLAND WIN FROM THE FA CUP FIRST ROUND? The FA doubled the prize fund for the competition this season, meaning that teams are set to earn more than ever before.

A first round triumph could see the Black Cats net

£36,000. WHEN WILL THE FA CUP FIRSTROUNDBEPLAYED?

The first round of the FA Cup is set to be played on Saturday, November 10.

However, ties could be moved to the Friday (9th), Sunday (11th) or Monday (12th) for television coverage. H We’ll be covering the draw online in our daily Sunderland AFC live blog, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for updates on sunderlandecho.com.