Derby on cards after cup draw

THE FA Cup draw has thrown up a potential North Devon derby between Bideford and Barnstaple Town.

But to set up the Sports Ground showdown, Barnstaple will have to come through two earlier rounds.

They have been drawn away to Wells City, their Toolstation Western League rivals, in the extra preliminary round on August 11.

If they win that, Barnstaple will be at home to Bodmin Town or Brislington in the preliminary round two weeks later.

Only if they win that match will Barnstaple be able to look forward to a clash with Bideford, newly-promoted to the Evo-Stik League Southern premier division, in first round qualifying on September 8.

Ilfracombe will also be travelling to Somerset for their extra preliminary round tie, having been drawn away to Chard Town.

Bideford's FA Carlsberg Trophy campaign will start in first round qualifying with an away game against AFC Totton on September 29.

In the FA Carlsberg Vase, Ilfracombe have been drawn at home to Brislington in first round qualifying. Barnstaple go straight into second round qualifying, where they will host Wellington.

FA Cup draw – extra preliminary round (Aug 11): Chard Tn v Ilfracombe Tn, Wells City v Barnstaple Tn.

Preliminary round (Aug 25): Wells City/Barnstaple v Bodmin Tn/Brislington, Chard Tn/Ilfracombe Tn v Plymouth Parkway/Welton Rov.

1st round qualifying (Sep 8): Bideford v Wells City/Barnstaple Tn/Bodmin Tn/Brislington, Chard Tn/Ilfracombe Tn/Plymouth Parkway/Welton Rov v Buckland Ath/Bridport/Street/Hengrove Ath.

FA Carlsberg Trophy – 1st round qualifying (Sep 29): AFC Totton v Bideford.

FA Carlsberg Vase – 1st round qualifying (Sep 1): Ilfracombe Tn v Brislington.

2nd round qualifying (Sep 15): Barnstaple Tn v Wellington, Ilfracombe Tn/Brislington v Hengrove Ath.

1st round (Oct 13): St Blazey/Wadebridge Tn/Crediton Utd/Bishop Sutton v Barnstaple Tn/Wellington, Minehead/Bodmin Tn v Ilfracombe Tn/Brislington/Hengrove Ath.