FA Cup first round draw: Newport County v Gillingham, Buxton v Chatham Town, Grimsby Town v Ebbsfleet United

The draw has been made for the first round of the FA Cup.

Gillingham - currently under the charge of assistant boss Richard Dobson while manager Gareth Ainsworth recovers from heart surgery - have been drawn away to fellow League 2 side Newport County.

Gillingham lost 2-0 at home to Blackpool in the first round last season but had reached the third round in the previous two years, losing to Leicester and Sheffield United.

Isthmian Premier Chatham have been drawn away to Buxton, who are currently 10th in National League North - one level about Kevin Hake’s men.

Chatham have beaten Marlow 4-0, Ashford United 3-0, Deal Town 3-1 and National League South Tonbridge Angels 3-1 to reach this stage. They’ve earned £20,625

National League South Ebbsfleet have been drawn away to League 2 side Grimsby Town.

Grimsby are currently fifth in the table and face Gillingham this weekend. It will mean a return to one of his former clubs for Fleet midfielder Jake Hessenthaler.

Ebbsfleet have had three home ties - beating Ashford Town (Middlesex) 5-0, Faversham Town 2-1, and National League Solihull Moors 2-1 - to reach this stage. It has already earned the club £18,375 in prize money.

This will be the Fleet’s third appearance in the last five years in the first round. They reached round two before losing to Fleetwood in 2022/23 and lost 1-0 at Leyton Orient in round one the previous year.

Ties are due to take place over the weekend of Saturday, November 1. Winning teams will earn £45,000 in prize money and losing sides collecting £15,000.

FA Cup first round draw (November 1):

Weston Super Mare v Aldershot Town

Salford City v Lincoln City

Luton Town v Worthing or Forest Green Rovers

Gainsborough Trinity or Hartlepool United v Accrington