Sunderland must travel to Port Vale for FA Cup tie

Sunderland have been handed an away tie against Port Vale in the first round of the FA Cup.

The game at Vale Park will take place on the weekend commencing November 9, with each winning club picking up £36,000.

The Valiants, who are managed by Gateshead-born Neil Aspin, sit 16th in League Two with 17 points from 14 games.

It is almost 20 years to the day since the sides last met, when Sunderland recorded a 2-0 win over Vale at the Stadium of Light in December 1998.

Last season, Sunderland were eliminated in the third round after a 2-0 defeat by Middlesbrough.

It is the first time in three decades the Black Cats will enter the competition at the first round stage.

Hartlepool United have been handed an away tie against Gillingham in the first round of the FA Cup.

The game at the Priestfield Stadium will take place on the weekend commencing November 9, with each winning club picking up £36,000.

Gillingham currently sit 19th in League One with 12 points from 13 games.

Matthew Bates’ side came through the fourth qualifying round on Saturday after overcoming Kidsgrove Athletic 1-0 at the Super 6 Stadium.

Last season Pools lost 3-0 away at Morecambe in the first round of the competition.

Elsewhere, Steve Watson’s Gateshead have been drawn against Rochdale.