In a repeat of last season's southern area final, which the Shrimpers won 4-3 on aggregate, the reigning runners-up will once again be travelling to Layer Road, home of north Essex rivals Colchester United for the first round. The U's have started the 2004/5 campaign in much better form that the Shrimpers, winning four of their first five matches, whilst Blues languish in 23rd in League Two.

The tie will probably take place on Tuesday 28th September, with kick-off at 7:45 p.m., although Essex police may opt to switch the tie to the following night, Wednesday 29th September after consultation with both clubs. It has yet to emerge how many tickets the Seasiders will receive, and how the club will distribute these.

Full First Round Draw (ties to be played week commencing September 27th)

NORTHERN SECTION
Bradford City	Accrington Stanley
Carlisle United	Grimsby Town
Hartlepool United	Hull City
Hereford United	Scunthorpe United
Huddersfield Town	Morecambe
Lincoln City	Doncaster Rovers
Macclesfield Town	Chesterfield
Mansfield Town	Darlington
Notts County	Wrexham
Port Vale	Barnsley
Rochdale	Scarborough
Sheffield Wednesday	Chester City
Stockport County	Bury
York City	Blackpool
SOUTHERN SECTION
Aldershot Town	Wycombe Wanderers
Barnet	Stevenage Borough
Boston United	Cambridge United
Brentford	Milton Keynes Dons
Bristol City	Peterborough United
Bristol Rovers	Kidderminster Harriers
Cheltenham Town	Dagenham & Redbridge
Colchester United	Southend United
Oxford United	Exeter City
Shrewsbury Town	AFC Bournemouth
Swansea City	Luton Town
Torquay United	Yeovil Town
Walsall	Rushden & Diamonds
Woking	Leyton Orient

 

Byes	Byes
Oldham Athletic	Swindon Town
Tranmere Rovers	Northampton Town

Robert Craven and Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com