League Two opposition stand in Cats way in FA Cup

Sunderland will host Mansfield Town in the first round of the FA Cup.

The Black Cats, who exited the competition at the first round stage last season after defeat to Gillingham, will welcome the League Two side to the Stadium of Light next month after Monday evening’s draw, televised live on BBC Two.

Mansfield are currently struggling at the wrong end of the fourth tier, sitting 21st in the table.

Ties are set to be played on Saturday, November 7 – but could be moved across the weekend if selected for live broadcast.

Winning teams in the first round will pocket the very specific sum of £22,629, and that figure could be substantially boosted if the tie is selected as one of the television picks.

All games in the FA Cup first round will be played behind closed doors, regardless of the league of the host club.

T h e FA c o n f i r m e d t h e move on the eve of the draw given current government guidelines.

Su n d e rl a n d a re o n e o f nine former winners of the trophy who are beginning the competition in the First Round proper, the others are Ipswich, Wimbledon, Bradford City, Charlton Athletic, Blackpool, Wigan Athletic, Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers.

Meanwhile, South Shields h ave b e e n d raw n away to League Two side Cheltenham Town in the first round of the Emirates sponsored competition.

The Mariners reached this stage of the competition for the first time since reforming in 1974 with a terrific 2-0 win over National League outfit FC Halifax Town on Saturday.

The FA Cup first round draw has been made.