Eastleigh will host Sholing FC in the FA Cup first round proper in a historic first meeting between the two clubs. The draw, conducted on Monday evening, set up the tie for the weekend of November 7th, with the Spitfires set to welcome the Southern League Premier South side to the Silverlake Stadium.
This will be the first time the clubs have ever met in any competition. Sholing, nicknamed the Boatmen, are making their debut in the FA Cup first round after a 2-0 victory over SE Dons in the fourth qualifying round. Reaching this stage guarantees the non-league outfit at least £15,800 in prize money.
Qualifying round drama
Eastleigh booked their place in dramatic fashion last Saturday, recovering from a 2-0 deficit at home to beat Isthmian Premier side Brentwood Town 3-2. That comeback victory at the Silverlake Stadium was a welcome boost for a side sitting 17th in the National League standings with 15 points from 13 games. Their recent league form has been mixed, with three defeats in their last five matches, but the cup run offers a fresh focus.
Sholing's journey to this historic point included a 3-1 win over Wimborne Town in the third qualifying round, before their victory over SE Dons. The Boatmen, managed by Dave Diaper, have been in impressive form in their own league campaign.
The club's immediate attention returns to the league, with a home fixture against Boston United this Saturday. The FA Cup tie against Sholing provides a compelling distraction and a chance for a cup run that could see them face Football League opposition in later rounds.
Ticketing and hospitality details for the first-round clash are yet to be confirmed by the club. The draw means Eastleigh avoided the likes of League One and Two clubs at this stage, instead facing a local non-league opponent in what promises to be a keenly contested derby-style fixture. The first round proper is scheduled for the weekend beginning Saturday, November 7th.
Background and full detail: uk.sports.yahoo.com
