The draw for the Southern Counties East Football League Challenge Cup has been made

Southern Counties East Challenge Cup holders Hollands & Blair face an away draw in the competition.

The draw for the cup was made during Saturday’s general meeting of the league, which was held at Lordswood.

Blair won the cup in 2022/23 after beating Fisher 2-1 in the final at the start of May.

Scott Porter’s holders received a bye through to round two where they will travel to fellow Premier Division side Kennington.

Deal Town, who finished third in the SCEFL Premier Division last season, host Faversham Strike Force in one of five first-round ties.

Southern Counties East Challenge Cup: First round draw: Deal Town v Faversham Strike Force, Canterbury City v Snodland Town, Sutton Athletic v Welling Town, SC Thamesmead v Lewisham Borough, Bridon Ropes v Croydon.

Second Round: Whitstable Town v Lordswood, K Sports v Staplehurst Monarchs, Kennington v Hollands & Blair, Faversham Town v Lydd Town, Greenways v Canterbury City or Snodland Town, Larkfield & New Hythe v Rochester United, Bearsted v Deal Town or Faversham Strike Force, SC Thamesmead or Lewisham Borough v Sutton Athletic or Welling Town, Meridian VP v Bridon Ropes or Croydon, Rusthall v Forest Hill Park, Holmesdale v Fisher, Stansfeld v Corinthian, Erith Town v Tooting Bec, VCD Athletic v AFC Whyteleafe, Tunbridge Wells v Glebe, Punjab United v FC Elmstead.

The league constitution was confirmed at the meeting. Relegated Faversham, Corinthian and VCD Athletic will all be playing in a 21-team Premier Division. Sixteen teams will compete in Division 1, including relegated Canterbury City. There will be a newly-introduced Division 1 Cup this season with a draw to follow.