FA Trophy draw: Felixstowe & Walton United to travel to former pro Steve Castle’s Bishop’s Stortford in first round proper
Felixstowe & Walton United will travel to a Step 3 club managed by a former Football League midfielder in the first round proper of the FA Trophy later this month.
The Seasiders, who were the only Suffolk side to get through the third and final qualifying round over the weekend despite having hosted higher-league opponents – ahead of Step 2 Needham Market entering the competition – face a trip to Southern League Premier Central outfit Bishop’s Stortford on October 26 (3pm).
The Blues, who were relegated back down to Step 3 of the non-league pyramid after finishing bottom of the Vanarama National League North last term, are managed by former Leyton Orient, Plymouth Argyle and Pterborough United player Steve Castle.
The now 58-year-old’s professional career – which saw him notch up more than 500 appearances – also had spells with Brimingham City, Gillingham (loan) and Stevenage Borough. He finished his playing days at St Albans City.
Stuart Boardley’s Pitching In Isthmian League North Division Felixstowe side earned their place in the first round proper of the FA Trophy for only the third time in their history – and the first time in three years – after an emphatic 4-0 victory against Step 3 (Isthmian League Premier Division) Haringey Borough at the Martello Ground.
Former AFC Sudbury promotion winner Josh Mayhew scored a brace inside the opening half-an-hour before Cameron Forde-Brown made it 3-0 five minutes later and then added his second of the afternoon to complete the rout eight minutes after half-time.
The prize money should they win their first round proper tie in Hertfordshire against a side currently sitting 10th in their division, with AFC Sudbury two places and a point below them having played a game more.
Felixstowe turn their attention back to league matters tomorrow night with early league leaders Basildon United – who are ahead of Bury Town on goal difference – visiting the Martello Ground (7.45pm).
The Seasiders go into that contest in seventh position but with games in hand on all but one of the sides above them due to their cup progress taking priority at this stage of the season. They are seven points off top spot with two games in hand.
