Ebbsfleet United or Cray Wanderers will play either Needham Market or Chipstead in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round…
There were few surprises when the Fleet or Cray emerged as the away side for the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round on October 9, the Fleet having enjoyed home advantage in the competition only once in the last seven years.
But should the Fleet win Tuesday’s replay against Cray Wanderers, then they will be entering uncharted territory, having been drawn against either Suffolk’s Needham Market, leaders of the Ryman League Division 1 North, or the Surrey-based Chipstead, currently in the lowers reach of Ryman League Division 1 South.
Neither side has ever played against the Fleet before. Needham Market, who were promoted from the Ridgeons League as champions last season and include Kent-born ex-Northern Ireland international Kevin Horlock, who has played league football for Manchester City, West Ham and Ipswich. They beat Kempston Rovers 6-1 in the First Qualifying Round and Daventry 3-2 in the Premilinary. Chipstead, meanwhile, progressed after a 1-0 win at Cobham and a 4-1 win over Whyteleafe. The two sides will replay their goalless draw on Tuesday for the right to meet the Fleet or Cray.
To visit Needham Market’s website, click here: www.needhammarketfc.co.uk
To visit Chipstead’s website, click here: www.chipsteadfc.com
