King’s Lynn Town have drawn Port Vale away in the first round of the FA Cup.
Monday night’s draw for the first round – conducted by former Linnets striker and Norwich City legend Grant Holt – saw them paired with Vale on the weekend of November 7 - unless the match is chosen for live TV coverage.
It is the first time King’s Lynn Town have been in the draw for the first round, although in 2006-07 season the original club, which later went bust, reached the first round, beating Bishop’s Stortford before succumbing to Oldham Athletic at The Walks.
The Linnets have never met Port Vale before in any competition – and boss Ian Culverhouse has yet to test his managerial or coaching wits against them.
Lynn midfielder Sam Kelly knows Vale Park – he moved there in 2015 and made 57 appearances in a two-year stay.
Vale – managed by John Askey – are currently 10th in the League Two table with four wins from their eight matches, while the Linnets are 20th in the National League.
The tie was the 38th of 40 drawn out – immediately after hopes of a clash against Ipswich Town were extinguished when they were paired at home to Portsmouth.
Lynn were given a bye into the draw after their scheduled fourth qualifying round game on Saturday was cancelled after visitors Notts County suffered a number of positive coronavirus tests.
The Linnets banked £9,375 for that and will earn another £22,629 if they get through to the second round.
Skelmersdale United, the lowest-ranked team left in this season’s competition, will travel to Football League new boys Harrogate Town.
National League North side Chorley – who, like Lynn, received a bye into the first round – face a journey of just eight miles to take on Lancashire neighbours Wigan, who shocked Manchester City to win the 2013 final. Two more former winners face long trips to face sides from the National League South.
Blackpool, winners of the famous ‘Matthews Final’ in 1953, travel to Eastbourne Borough, while 1911 winners Bradford go to Tonbridge Angels.
The FA has confirmed all ties in the first round will be played behind closed doors.
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