The draws have been made for the early rounds of the Emirates FA Cup and Buildbase FA Vase ahead of the 2018-19 season.
James Jepson’s side have been dealt a home draw in the FA Cup when the competition kicks off in August. We also received confirmation that we are exempt from the FA Vase until the second round proper for the second consecutive year following another impressive run last term.
Leicestershire rivals Anstey Nomads will be the visitors to the Welfare Ground in the first match at our new home in Ibstock for the extra preliminary round tie, which will be played on Saturday 11th August.
Anstey finished second behind Dunkirk in the East Midlands Counties League last term, narrowly missing out on promotion on goal difference. They have been transferred across to the United Counties League Division One this season.
The winners of that tie will be at home to Clipstone, of the East Midlands Counties League, or North East Counties League side Barton Town in the preliminary round two weeks later.
In the FA Vase, AFC’s second consecutive fine run in the competition saw us reach the fourth round before defeat by eventual semi-finalists Marske United last season.
It means we are exempt from this year’s draw until the second round proper, which takes place on Saturday 3rd November.
