Herne Bay and Ashford United meet for first clash since Isthmian South East play-off final last season in the FA Cup

There is a repeat of last season’s Isthmian South East play-off final in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round this weekend.

Herne Bay have been drawn at home to Ashford, having beaten them 2-0 to earn promotion to Isthmian Premier for the first time in their history, although the match will be at Ramsgate on Sunday (3pm kick-off) with the new 3G pitch still not ready at Winch’s Field for action.

The Nuts & Bolts got the better of Bay twice in the league last term but Ben Smith’s side came out on top when it mattered most.

Bay’s boss knows the draw could have been a lot tougher for his team, with National League South clubs entering the competition at this stage, but his troops will still face a tough test against Ashford.

“It is what it is,” he said. “They will be a good side, Tommy Warrilow is a good manager.

“But would we have a better chance against them or Ebbsfleet away?

"I know what I would prefer but that doesn’t mean we automatically go and win. But it would be a bigger upset going to Ebbsfleet and winning.”

Plenty has changed at both clubs in the five months since that play-off final.

After an indifferent start to the season, Ashford have won their last two league fixtures and beat AFC Sudbury on Tuesday on penalties in the FA Trophy after a 3-3 draw.

Bay, meanwhile, have perhaps been better than results suggest. But they are second-bottom in Isthmian Premier having lost 4-0 at Margate in midweek, putting in a poor performance.

They saw off league rivals Horsham 2-1 in the First Qualifying Round while Ashford beat Hanworth Villa 2-1. The winners of the FA Cup tie will pocket £3,375 in prize money.

Bay’s new surface is nearing completion, although it’s not clear whether it will be cleared in time for their league