Home comforts for Cup survivors after preliminary successes

» All four Gloucestershire clubs and Evesham United have been drawn at home in The FA Cup first qualifying round.

Longlevens have reached this stage of the competition for the first time in their history at the fourth attempt and the Hellenic League Premier Division club’s reward for a 1-0 win over Northwood is another home tie against Portland United, who are yet to win a game in the Wessex League Premier Division this season.

Cinderford Town will face Southern League Division One South rivals Bideford at home with Cirencester Town to face Southern League Division One South side Gosport Borough.

If Slimbridge can overcome Burnham in a replay on Tuesday, September 3 after the sides drew 1-1 on Saturday at Thornhill Park they will have home advantage against Tiverton, who are currently second in Southern Premier South.

Evesham will also face higher league opposition as they will meet Dorchester Town after beating Harefield United 2-1.

The ties are due to take place on the weekend of September 6-9 with prize money of £4,500 up for grabs.

In the preliminary round last weekend, Cirencester Town beat North Greenford United 5-0, while Southern League Division One South rivals Cinderford Town won 4-2 away to Marlow.

Bishop’s Cleeve were dumped out following a 4-1 home defet to Kidlington, Fairford Town lost 3-2 at home to Hanwell Town, Brimscombe and Thrupp were beaten 3-1 by Aylesbury United and Shortwood United lost 4-1 at Dunstable Town.

Gloucestershire’s three biggest clubs enter the competition later on with Gloucester City joining in the third qualifying round before Cheltenham Town and Forest Green enter in the first round proper.