BUCKLAND Athletic will be facing familiar foes in this season’s FA Cup following this afternoon’s Extra Preliminary Round draw.

The Bucks will welcome newly-promoted Exmouth Town to Homers Heath on Saturday, August 6 (3pm).

The two sides met at the same place and stage of the competition last season, with the travelling side progressing thanks to a 2-1 win.

Exmouth have since been promoted from the Western League to the Southern League Division One – and Bucks head coach Dan Hart knows he’s in for a tricky test.

‘It’s a tough draw for us,’ said Hart. ‘Exmouth will always be a tough side to face and unique in the way that they play.

‘Having been promoted it will be interesting to see the steps they have made as a team. We will be looking to create a great atmosphere being at home and we’re hopeful of a positive result.’

The draws for the early rounds of the FA Vase also took place earlier today. After last season’s impressive run, Buckland are exempt for the first few rounds.

Peninsula Premier East side Newton Abbot Spurs have been drawn away at Somerset side Radstock Town, who play in the Western League Division One, in the First Qualifying Round.

‘I’ve been there before with Buckland a couple of times as a player,’ said Spurs manager Marc Revell.

‘Without wishing to get ahead of ourselves it’s a winnable game on paper – but that’s the thing about the Vase.

‘We went away to Launceston last season, and because it’s so early in the season you never really know what you’re coming up against.

‘But it’s an away trip for the lads to look forward to and hopefully one we can win. It’s a long trip back if we don’t!’

If the Spurs win they will face another away trip in the Second Qualifying Round – to either Bodmin Town or Odd Down.

Fellow Peninsula Premier East side Bovey Tracey will have home comforts in the First Qualifying Round when they entertain Premier West side Newquay.

‘We’re really happy with a home draw,’ said Bovey boss Will Small. ‘We were actually meant to play Newquay in pre-season so I’m not sure what will happen about that now.

‘Hopefully we can get a good crowd down at Mill Marsh Park and come away with a positive result and a spot in the next round.’

A home Second Qualifying Round tie against Somerset outfit Welton Rovers awaits Bovey if they are victorious.

FA Vase First Qualifying Round ties are due to be played on Saturday, August 27.

Bovey Tracey’s Under-18s are also involved in this season’s FA Youth Cup. They face a tough trip away to Helston Athletic Under-18s in the Preliminary Round on the week commencing August 29.