Yate prepare for tough tie in FA Cup

Michael Meaker believes Yate Town are capable of causing a famous FA Cup upset and reach the first round proper after being handed the toughest draw possible in the shape of Newport County.

Yate's tie is just one of many intriguing local encounters, with Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division side Chippenham Town facing a trip to Whaddon Road to face Blue Square Bet North Gloucester City.

Yate, of Evo-Stik Division One South and West, were yesterday paired with Justin Edinburgh's Blue Square Bet Premier leaders Newport, who will visit Lodge Road on Saturday, October 20.

Newport have only lost two of their 13 games to lead the Conference Premier League table by two points from Forest Green Rovers, and assistant manager Meaker said: "It's the toughest draw we could have got, but it's a challenge everyone at Yate Town will welcome.

"We are massive underdogs, but we have been in all four of the games we have won to get this far.

"Newport are leading the Conference and will be hot favourites, but I'm optimistic over our chances because the group of players we have here is more than capable.

"I can tell you that far from fearing Newport, the lads have been sending texts to say what a great draw it is and they are all really excited about the game already.

"I think we have quite a few lads who could be playing at a higher level so this game will be a real opportunity for them to test themselves against the very best the non-league game has to offer.

He added: "We're happy that they are coming to Lodge Road because that definitely gives us a better chance and it makes for a great occasion.

"We know they will be a good side, their position in the league tells us that, but don't rule us out. We'll have a full ground behind us and we'll go out with all guns blazing and we'll just see what happens from there.

"Can we cause an upset? It's definitely a possibility, funnier things have certainly happened in the FA Cup in the past, so you never know.

Bath City go to Southern League Division One side Gosport Borough tonight after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Twerton Park on Saturday. The winners of tonight's replay will visit Southern League Division One side Slough Town in the next round.

Forest Green will host Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Dartford in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

Promoted last season, the Darts have been a surprise package so far and sit fifth in the table.

Home advantage means Dave Hockaday's men will be slight favourites for the tie , but last season's shock defeat at the same stage by Southern League Arlesey Town should focus a few minds.

Dave Mehew has called on his Gloucester City squad to match the effort and determination levels shown during Sunday's FA Cup victory over Eastleigh and earn a place in the FA Cup first round.

While the Tigers will be favourites to beat Chippenham, Mehew knows his side will have to be on their guard.

Bluebirds boss Nathan Rudge is a good friend of the Tigers boss and was an interested spectator on Sunday, but Mehew said that friendship will be put to one side ahead of the October 20 clash.

"I speak to Nathan and his assistant Richard Fey on a weekly basis, sometimes twice a week, and Nathan watched the game on Sunday," Mehew said.

"We had a long chat in the summer where he picked my brains ahead of his first trip into management so hopefully I have been of help to him.

"But he won't be hearing from me for the next two weeks, that's for sure!"

Mehew took great satisfaction from Sunday's 1-0 success over Eastleigh, hailing it as one of the best results of his management tenure.

The Spitfires have one of the largest playing budgets outside of the Football League and had a team packed with Blue Square Bet Premier and League experience.

And the Tigers boss said that his charges will need to show the same effort and application against Chippenham if they are to end their 23-year first round hoodoo.

"I said to the boys prior to the game on Sunday that it would be the best result that we would have had during my time at the club if we won," Mehew said.

FA Cup, fourth qualifying round draw: Alfreton Tn v Gateshead, Hyde v Harrogate Tn, FC United Of Manchester v Hereford Utd, Barrow v Tamworth, Colwyn Bay or Guiseley v Hednesford Tn or Buxton, Grimsby Tn v Kidderminster Harriers, Bradford Park Avenue v Hinckley Utd or Ossett Albion, Wrexham v Southport, AFC Fylde v Ilkeston, Boston Utd v Altrincham, Lincoln City v Chester or FC Halifax Tn, Macclesfield Tn v Marine, Barwell or Workington v Mansfield Tn, Stockport County v Stalybridge Celtic, AFC Telford Utd v Nuneaton Tn, South Park v Dereham Tn or Metropolitan Police, Didcot Tn v Arlesey Tn, Forest Green Rovers v Dartford, Yate Tn v Newport County, Slough Tn v Bath City or Gosport Borough, Hastings Utd or Hitchin Tn v Blackfield & Langley, Bromley v Weston-super-Mare or Worcester City, Chelmsford City v East Thurrock Utd, Hayes & Yeading Utd v Boreham Wood, AFC Totton v Cambridge City or Billericay Tn, Welling Utd or Thurrock v Chalfont St Peter or Bishop's Stortford, Braintree Tn v Lowestoft Tn, Dorchester Tn v Bury Tn, Cambridge Utd v Luton Tn, Gloucester City v Chippenham Tn, Histon or Corby Town v Eastbourne Borough or Hendon, Woking v Ebbsfleet Utd.