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      FA Cup draw: League One leaders Portsmouth face tough trip to non-league side as Wrexham travel to League Two rivals

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      NON-LEAGUE Chesterfield will host League One leaders Portsmouth in the first round of the FA Cup.The draw for the first round was made on Sunday afternoon as EFL clubs and non-league sides learned who stands between them and the next stage of the competition.
      The draw for the first round of the FA Cup was made on Sunday afternoonCredit: Getty
      The draw was broadcast live on ITV1Credit: ITV
      One of the standout ties saw Chesterfield – who beat Kettering 5-0 in the fourth qualifying round on Saturday – drawn at home to Championship-chasing Pompey.
      Meanwhile, League Two outfit Wrexham will travel to fellow fourth-tier side Mansfield.
      And in a classically romantic FA Cup tie, eighth-tier Cray Valley will travel to The Valley to face League One side Charlton.
      Oxford United are the second-highest ranked team behind Portsmouth as they sit just one point behind the South Coast side in League One.
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      They have been drawn at home to Maidenhead United – third-bottom in the National League.
      Other big clubs hosting non-league opposition include Bolton taking on Solihull Moors and Barnsley hosting Horsham.
      A total of 40 games were drawn, with 32 non-league sides still in the competition.
      The ties will take place between Friday, November 3 and Monday, November 6.
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      Premier League teams do not enter the competition until the third round in January.
      Last year’s best FA Cup performance from a side in the third tier or below came from Grimsby as they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Brighton.
      Full draw:

      Curzon Ashton vs Avely or Barnet
      Alfreton Town vs Worthing
      Chesterfield vs Portsmouth
      Bolton Wanderers vs Solihull Moors
      Exeter City vs Wigan Athletic
      Leyton Orient vs Carlisle United
      Kidderminster vs Fleetwood Town
      Hereford vs Gillingham
      Ebsfleet United or Slough Town vs Grimsby Town
      Charlton Athletic vs Cray Valley
      Oxford vs Maidenhead United
      Newport County vs Oldham Athletic
      Swindon Town vs Aldershot Town
      Crewe Alexandra vs Derby County
      Mansfield Town vs Wrexham
      Marine vs Harrowgate Town
      Barnsley vs Horsham
      Port Vale vs Burton Albion
      Peterborough United vs Salford City
      Eastleigh vs Boreham Wood
      Bradford City vs Wycombe Wanderers
      Billericay Town or Sheppey United vs Walsall
      Shrewsbury Town vs Colchester United
      Bristol Rovers vs Chelmsford City or Whitby Town
      Lincoln City vs Morecambe
      Sutton United vs AFC Fylde
      Reading vs MK Dons
      Doncaster Rovers vs Accrington Stanley
      Chester vs York City or Needham Market
      Scarborough Athletic or Oxford City vs Forest Green Rovers
      Notts County vs Crawley Town
      Stockport County vs Worksop Town
      Yeovil Town vs Gateshead
      Stevenage vs Tranmere Rovers
      Braintree Town or Chesham United vs Maidstone
      Bromley vs Blackpool
      AFC Wimbledon vs Cheltenham Town
      Cambridge United vs Bracknell
      Northampton Town vs Barrow
      Ramsgate vs Hemel Hempstead or Woking More

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      FA Cup first round draw LIVE: Wrexham handed tricky away tie while Portsmouth travel to Chesterfield – reaction

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      THE FA Cup first round draw has concluded and there are some tasty ties to look forward to.Hollywood-owned Wrexham will make the tricky trip to Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town.
      While League One leaders and 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth will travel to non-league Chesterfield.
      Fixtures for the first round proper will take place on the weekend of November 4/5, with games also likely to be scheduled for Friday, November 3rd.
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      Notable ties
      There are some juicy ties in this round.
      There are 32 non-league sides still in the competition hunting for a magical cup run.
      Eighth-tier Cray Valley will travel to The Valley to face League One side Charlton.
      Non-league opposition include Bolton taking on Solihull Moors and Barnsley hosting Horsham.
      The draw in full
      Here is the FA Cup first round proper draw in full:

      Curzon Ashton vs Avely or Barnet
      Alfreton Town vs Worthing
      Chesterfield vs Portsmouth
      Bolton Wanderers vs Solihull Moors
      Exeter City vs Wigan Athletic
      Leyton Orient vs Carlisle United
      Kidderminster vs Fleetwood Town
      Hereford vs Gillingham
      Ebsfleet United or Slough Town vs Grimsby Town
      Charlton Athletic vs Cray Valley
      Oxford vs Maidenhead United
      Newport County vs Oldham Athletic
      Swindon Town vs Aldershot Town
      Crewe Alexandra vs Derby County
      Mansfield Town vs Wrexham
      Marine vs Harrowgate Town
      Barnsley vs Horsham
      Port Vale vs Burton Albion
      Peterborough United vs Salford City
      Eastleigh vs Boreham Wood
      Bradford City vs Wycombe Wanderers
      Billericay Town or Sheppey United vs Walsall
      Shrewsbury Town vs Colchester United
      Bristol Rovers vs Chelmsford City or Whitby Town
      Lincoln City vs Morecambe
      Sutton United vs AFC Fylde
      Reading vs MK Dons
      Doncaster Rovers vs Accrington Stanley
      Chester vs York City or Needham Market
      Scarborough Athletic or Oxford City vs Forest Green Rovers
      Notts County vs Crawley Town
      Stockport County vs Worksop Town
      Yeovil Town vs Gateshead
      Stevenage vs Tranmere Rovers
      Braintree Town or Chesham United vs Maidstone
      Bromley vs Blackpool
      AFC Wimbledon vs Cheltenham Town
      Cambridge United vs Bracknell
      Northampton Town vs Barrow
      Ramsgate vs Hemel Hempstead or Woking

      Date reminder
      The first round draw proper will commence between November 3-6.
      Ramsgate v Hemel Hempstead or Working
      Northampton v Barrow
      Cambridge v Bracknell
      AFC Wimbledon v Cheltenham
      Bromley v Blackpool
      Braintree or Chesham v Maidstone
      Stevenage v Tranmere
      Yeovil v Gateshead
      Stockport v Worksop Town
      Notts County v Crawley
      Scarborough or Oxford City v Forest Green Rovers
      Chester v York City or Needham Market
      Doncaster v Accrington
      Reading v MK Dons
      Sutton United v AFC Fylde
      Lincoln v Morecambe
      Bristol Rovers v Chelmsford City or Whitby Town
      Shrewsbury v Colchester
      Billericay or Sheppey United v Walsall
      Bradford v Wycombe
      Eastleigh v Boreham Wood
      Peterborough v Salford More

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      I used to be a rapper with Beyonce using my music in her videos but now I’m chasing FA Cup glory with non-league minnows

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      MEDY ELITO once had his rap music used by Beyonce in a video.However, the midfielder has now tasted FA Cup glory with non-league minnows Ramsgate.
      Medy Elito has caught the eye as a rapper using the alias Don ECredit: INSTAGRAM
      Beyonce used Elito’s music in a video montage on InstagramCredit: Getty
      Alongside his football career, Elito has also shown off his musical talents using the alias Don E.
      The rapper’s most notable track was his 2017 single “You Alright Yeah?”
      Following its release, the song caught the attention of Beyonce, who used it in a video montage on Instagram.
      Recalling the surreal experience, Elito told the Daily Star: “When she first put it up it was crazy because it was on my birthday.
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      “Some friends and I went out to eat and we were on our way to a club when the video got put in the group chat.
      “It’s my birthday, so all I’m focusing on is having a good time. But then I see the group chat going crazy and I think ‘what the hell is happening here?’ Everyone is saying ‘press the video,’ so I did but I’m thinking anyone can put this together.
      “I went on her Instagram and my jaw dropped. I thought it was crazy.
      “I couldn’t even enjoy myself that evening because I just kept refreshing it! It was just a song that I did in my friend’s bedroom and it ended up being recognised by Beyonce.”
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      The former Barnet midfielder is chasing FA Cup glory with Ramsgate this weekendCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
      The exposure has led to a number of opportunities in Elito’s music career and he has since performed as Don E at Wembley Arena and Wireless Festival.
      It is his football that is making the headlines this weekend, though.
      Elito and eighth tier Ramsgate beat AFC Totton on Saturday to reach the first round of this season’s FA Cup.
      Starting on the bench, the midfielder came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute to help his side clinch a famous 1-0 victory against their opponents from a league above.
      Ramsgate now go into Sunday’s first round draw with the prospect of facing a club from the Football League.
      Elito only signed for the Rams in the summer, with his career including spells with several Football League clubs after graduating from Colchester’s academy. More

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      Premier League legend set for stunning comeback to football with non-league Ebbsfleet United in FA Cup clash

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      FORMER Premier League star Jordon Ibe is making his comeback to football with non-league Ebbsfleet United.The 27-year-old winger has been named on the bench for their FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash versus Slough Town this afternoon.
      Jordon Ibe is back playing football at Ebbsfleet UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ibe used to play for Liverpool and Bournemouth in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      It comes seven years after he completed a £15m transfer from Liverpool to Bournemouth.
      He has been a free agent since leaving Turkish side Adanaspor in 2022, having failed to make an appearance.
      Ibe initially burst on to the scene at Wycombe as he became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in the football league.
      He was then snapped up by Liverpool and went on to make 58 appearances for the Reds and he earned four England Under-21 caps.
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      Brendan Rodgers once described him as “a really talented player with a bright footballing brain”.
      The winger was subsequently loaned out to Birmingham and Derby before getting his big-money move to Bournemouth.
      But Ibe struggled to perform consistently under Eddie Howe and never fulfilled his potential as he battled injuries.
      His Cherries career ended with him being released in 2020.
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      He then re-joined Derby but played just once before mutually terminating his contract as he battled with depression and admitted he was in a “dark place”.
      On his return to football with Ebbsfleet, who sit 16th in the National League, Ibe said: “I just want to get back out there, show people what I can do again and play football.
      “I’ve worked hard to be in a position where I am able to focus on football and believe in myself and my ability to contribute on the pitch.
      “Being back out there is where I love to be and where I’m most happy but I needed to be healthy and prepared to give myself that chance.
      “The way Ebbsfleet have helped me and put a process in place so I can be ready has been really supportive.
      “I came in and have had to back myself and prove I’m here to succeed to earn my chance.” More

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      FA pushing for major VAR change in huge boost to fans at matches after Tottenham vs Liverpool blunder

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      THE FA is pushing to allow VAR communications to be broadcast in stadiums.Wembley bosses feel that letting fans in grounds and at home to hear what VARs are saying to referees will give more clarity to supporters.
      The PGMOL came under fire for making a huge error during Tottenham’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: Sky Sports
      Luis Diaz was deemed to be offside when he wasn’tCredit: Premier League
      Officials are now pushing for VAR communications to be broadcast in stadiumsCredit: Getty
      It was only three days after Liverpool’s Luiz Diaz’ goal at Spurs was wrongly disallowed by a major VAR blunder that the chaos surrounding Darren England’s mistake was aired.
      Current International FA Board rules mean it is forbidden to broadcast the conversations live.
      But FA chief executive Mark Bullingham will urge a rethink and change of policy at head month’s Ifab “business meeting” which will set the agenda for the formal Law-deciding AGM in March.
      Bullingham said: “The fans is in the stadium should never know less than the fans watching on TV.
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      “Live broadcasting of the conversations is something we have talked about in multiple IFABS. 
      “Generally there is a split in the room, often it between the marketing-and-commercial people and the referees. 
      “Our point of view would normally be that transparency is a really good thing.
      “We want fans to have the maximum experience.
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      “More transparency shows how difficult the referee’s job is and it has worked in other sport.
      “But there is an understandable nervousness from others that the referee’s job is hard enough as it is.”
      Bullingham, though, may have to do a lot of persuading.
      Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Belfast-based Irish FA, said: “We just need to see more evidence on this at the moment. 
      “It’s interesting when we look at recent examples but we still need to remember that VAR as an entire concept is relatively in its infancy compared to the game of football and compared to IFAB. There is still more that we can learn.”
      Fifa now allows mic’d up referees to announce why they have changed an on-field decision after VAR intervention, although giving no details, with Bullingham feeling that is “a step forward”.
      Refs’ chief Howard Webb suggested on Tuesday night that he wanted a change in the Ifab VAR protocols that prevented England from telling ref Simon Hooper to stop play and award Liverpool a goal after the game had restarted.
      Bullingham intends to gauge the views of the Ifab board – half of which is composed of the four Home Nations with Fifa supplying the other four votes – over whether that is a possible move.
      So far, though, Ifab has been resistant, suggesting a single error by officials in one country should not necessarily force a rewriting of the regulations.
      But Bullingham will strongly resist calls for MORE powers for VARs to interfere outside the current realm of “match-changing decisions” such as goals, penalties and red cards..
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      The idea of extending the scope to allow VAR overturns for free-kick decisions, bookings, corners and throw-ins is due to be discussed at next month’s meeting.
      But Bullingham vowed: “We would be really reluctant to have a game that was stopped a lot more than it currently is. That will be a proper discussion.” More

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      Ex-England Under-21s star charged by FA for ‘racially abusing’ OWN team-mate before Cardiff contract torn up

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      JACK SIMPSON has been charged by the FA for racially abusing a team-mate during pre-season.Simpson had his Cardiff contract ripped up in August with the club issuing a blunt 16-word statement.
      Jack Simpson had his Cardiff contract ripped up only last monthCredit: Getty
      Simpson has been charged by the FA for alleged racial abuse towards a team-mateCredit: Getty
      The Bluebirds announced on their official website: “We can confirm that Jack Simpson has today left Cardiff City Football Club by mutual consent.”
      But the FA has now stated that the centre-back has been charged with an “aggravated breach” of rules relating to misconduct and abusive language towards “race and/or colour”.
      The ex-England Under-21 international was allegedly involved in an incident that took place in July during Cardiff’s pre-season tour in Portugal.
      The 26-year-old is alleged to have used “abusive and/or insulting and/or improper” language towards a team-mate.
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      The ex-Rangers player has until Tuesday, 10 October to issue a response.
      The FA issued the following statement on Twitter: “Jack Simpson, a former Cardiff City player, has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct that took place on their pre-season tour to Portugal in July 2023.
      “It’s alleged that the defender’s language towards a teammate was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
      “It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to race and/or colour.
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      “Jack Simpson has until Tuesday 10 October 2023 to provide a response.”
      Simpson joined Cardiff last year following a brief spell at Rangers and amassed a total of 23 appearances.
      The defender only played once on international level for England’s Under-21 side in a friendly against Denmark back in 2018. More

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      Abandoned football stadium where David Beckham’s Man Utd suffered historic upset razed to ground after 90 years

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      A HISTORIC abandoned football stadium where David Beckham’s Manchester United suffered a famous upset has now been demolished.Home to York City FC, Bootham Crescent was razed to the ground after 90 years to make way for a unique housing development worth £7million.
      Manchester United suffered a famous upset against York City in 1995 despite prevailing on the nightCredit: Getty
      The legendary stadium has been torn down for a housing developmentCredit: Getty
      Bootham Crescent being torn down for new homesCredit: Google Maps
      Despite hosting countless matches and even surviving the Second World War, the iconic ground was ripped up after being sold to Persimmon Homes.
      The Minstermen left the 8,256 capacity ground in 2020 with the York Community Stadium in Huntington becoming their new home.
      But the National League side’s original patch still has a place in many York supporters’ hearts.
      Older fans may well remember some of their finest moments taking place at Bootham Crescent.

      Iconic moments included a historic FA Cup win over Arsenal in 1985 – followed by a 1-1 draw against a formidable Liverpool side in the same competition.
      But perhaps one of the greatest results witnessed at the hallowed ground was in fact a 3-1 loss to giants Manchester United in 1995.
      United were six games unbeaten in all competitions when York showed up for the first leg of the League Cup second round tie.
      City took on the Red Devils in the then-named Coca Cola League Cup, and defeated the Prem leaders in a shock 3-0 victory in the first leg at Old Trafford.
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      United put out a full strength team for the return leg at Bootham Crescent two weeks later.
      Stars like David Beckham, Roy Keane and mercurial forward Eric Cantona – who had just returned from a nine-month ban – all took to the pitch.
      And despite losing on the night thanks to two goals from Paul Scholes and another from Terry Cooke, York managed to hang on.
      The plucky underdogs went through 4-3 on aggregate thanks to Scott Jordan’s strike at Bootham Crescent.
      Stung by their League Cup embarrassment, United rallied together and went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup Double that year.
      The new Bootham Crescent development will eventually provide 93 new homes.
      19 properties will then be transferred to the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust to be made available for social rent and discount sale.
      A wide mix of properties will be available including, two, three, and four bedroom houses as well as one and two bedroom apartments.
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      Persimmon announced that there will be plenty of options for homebuyers at a range of prices, which will be released in due course.
      York got their first win of the season against Southend United last Saturday.
      David Beckham also played for the club in 1995Credit: Getty More

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      FA Cup draw made for third round qualifying with 40 fixtures announced and prize money revealed

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      THE FA CUP has now reached the third qualifying round stage – with the tournament edging closer to the first round proper. Non-League clubs have gone into the hat for the third-round qualifying draw with 40 fixtures and prize money announced.
      Manchester City won the FA Cup last season after beating Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Tier 6 clubs- The National League North and South entered the second qualifying round.
      While some clubs in the competition have gone through as many as four matches to get to this stage.
      There are only two ninth-tier sides remaining – Reading City and Emley who both earned themselves replays to Winchester City and Mossley respectively.
      Also, the shock result from eighth division side Nantwich Town who beat Banbury United 2-1 means they will play Chester in the next round.
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      Meanwhile, Yeovil who were relegated to non league in 2019 and thrashed ninth-tier AFC Stoneham 7-1 in the second qualifying stage have been drawn to play Didcot Town.
      Canvey Island will make a trip on Tuesday to Essex rivals and Jamie O’Hara’s former team Braintree after a 1-1 draw at Park Lane to decide who goes into the next round.
      Also, Bath City scraped through into the next stage after their last-minute win against Larkhall Atheltic and now go head-to National League South rivals Weymouth.
      Now the remainder of non-league teams in the FA Cup continue to fight their way into the first round proper where they are met with League One and Two teams.
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      And wins at this stage of the competition for the non-league teams are crucial as the prize money really starts to ramp up.
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      Winning clubs at this stage will not only reach the fourth round qualifying stage but will also pick up £5625 from the competition’s prize fund while losing clubs will also collect £1875.
      This is a fraction of the £2million FA Cup winners earn.
      Manchester City won the tournament last time out, as part of a historic treble in 2022/23.
      And while teams at this stage have no thoughts of going all the way, they will have an eye on drawing a Football League side in the first round.
      FA CUP THIRD ROUND QUALIFYING Third round qualifying games will be played on September 30th 2023 at 3pm.
      1 Blyth Spartans or Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Worksop Town
      2 Whitby Town vs Morpeth Town
      3 Darlington vs Farsley Celtic or Scarborough Athletic
      4 Leek Town vs South Shields
      5 Lancaster City vs Ashton United or Atherton Collieries
      6 Hyde United vs Spennymor Town or Marine
      7 Chester vs Nantwich Town
      8 Curzon Ashton vs Runcorn Linnets or Chorley
      9 Alfreton Town vs Mossley or Emley
      10 Macclesfield vs Warrington Rylands
      11 Hereford vs Cambridge City
      12 Stourbridge vs Mickleover
      13 Hitchin Town vs Kettering Town
      14 King’s Lynn Town or Aveley vs Hornchurch
      15 Gorleston vs Hemel Hempsted Town
      16 Halesowen Town vs Enfield Town
      17 Bishop’s Stortford or Biggleswade Town vs Barton Rovers or Wroxham
      18 Coalville Town vs Tamworth
      19 Bromsgrove Sporting vs Ware or Chelmsford City
      20 Rushall Olympic vs Boston United
      21 Peterborough Sports or Redditch United vs Needham Market
      22 Canvey Island or Braintree Town vs Scunthorpe United or Brackley Town
      23 Billericay Town vs St Albans City
      24 AFC Totton vs Berkhamsted
      25 Bracknell Town vs Poole Town
      26 Wingate & Finchley or Farnborough vs Weston Super Mare
      27 Dover Athletic vs Haringey Borough
      28 Merthyr Town or Taunton Town vs Sheppey United
      29 Yeovil Town vs Didcot Town
      30 Salisbury vs Slough Town
      31 Gosport Borough vs Welling United
      32 Torquay United vs Hungerford Town
      33 Reading City or Winchester City vs Maidstone United
      34 Carshalton Atheltic vs Northwood or Cray Valley
      35 Horsham or Marlow vs Hanworth Villa
      36 Lewes vs Hampton & Richmond Borough
      37 Chesham United vs Margate or Folkstone Invicta
      38 Cray Wanderers or Ramsgate vs Plymouth Parkway or Frome Town
      39 Worthing vs Whitehawk
      40 Weymouth vs Bath City More