FA Cup first round draw: Kevin Phillips' South Shields face Forest Green, Bracknell host Ipswich

Lowest-ranked side Alvechurch travel to Cheltenham; Bracknell of the Southern League Premier Division South face Ipswich; Portsmouth take on National League North side Hereford; Burton host Needham Market

Monday 17 October 2022 22:01, UK

Non-League side South Shields, managed by Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips, have been drawn at home to Forest Green in the FA Cup first round.

The club, based in Tyne & Wear, will welcome Ian Burchnall's Rovers, of Sky Bet League One, to the First Cloud Arena during the weekend of November 4-7.

Speaking to Sky Sports News after the draw was made on Monday night, Phillips said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the draw, and that we've got one at home.

"We all agreed that if we got an away tie, we'd have loved Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich or Portsmouth - a huge club. But no disrespect to Forest Green, they are going to be a tough opposition for us at home.

"But our home form since I've been at the football club has been excellent. I think we've only been beaten there once, so it's a bit of a fortress.

"It will be a tough day for us, but we will believe we can get a result. It's a day the club deserves. They got into the first round a couple of years ago, but unfortunately it was during Covid where there were no fans allowed. This time the supporters can enjoy the occasion.

"We had a great day on Saturday [against Scunthorpe in the fourth qualifying round], with 2,500 there, so I'm expecting probably even more fans in for the Forest Green game.

"We fancy our chances against anybody at our place. It's an intimidating place to come, it's very noisy, the crowd is right on top of you. What we can't afford to do is let them settle into the game and play their football. They are, technically, a very, very good side.

"It will be a bumper crowd and, if we're lucky enough to be drawn as the TV game, which would be fantastic and great exposure for the football club."

Elsewhere, Bracknell Town of the Southern League Premier Division South will host Ipswich at Bottom Meadow, while fellow League One promotion-chasers Portsmouth will take on National League North Hereford.

Alvechurch - the lowest-ranked side remaining in the competition and taking part in the first round for the first time in 49 years - will face Cheltenham at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.

The winners of this season's first-round fixtures will pocket £41,000.