Maidenhead United and Slough Town handed home draws in FA Cup fourth qualifying round

MAIDENHEAD United and Slough Town have both been handed home draws in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The Magpies will be aiming to maintain their recent fine home form when National League South side Havant & Waterlooville visit York Road on Saturday, October 14.

Alan Devonshire’s men will be looking to match their run to the first round proper two seasons ago when they were put out by League One Port Vale in a replay at York Road.

Havant are in the process of re-establishing themselves as one of the form sides in the National League South having been surprisingly demoted out of the second level of non league football two seasons ago. Last year they showed their quality edge past Bognor Regis Town in the final weeks of the season to win the Isthmian League championship title.

They’re currently seventh in the National League South, and will have their eye on promotion again. Hayes & Yeading proved no match for them on Saturday in their third qualifying match, losing 4-0 at home.

Slough Town will also fancy their chances of progressing to the first round proper for the first time in several seasons.

They’ve been handed a home tie against Bostik Premier Division Folkstone Invicta, who overcame Aylesbury United 2-1 at home to book their place in the fourth qualifying round.

Slough have shown their character in this year’s FA Cup competition, and once again had to come from behind to beat Poole Town 2-1 at Arbour Park on Saturday.

The Rebels trailed to fine solo goal from Warren Bentley but responded well with Chris Flood heading them level just before the hour mark before George Wells’ shot proved too hot to handle for the Poole keeper in the 82nd minute, slipping through his fingers to give the Rebels a 2-1 lead.

Joint manager Neil Baker reflected on Twitter: “Got to be happy with a home draw. Would not matter who you draw in the fourth qualifying round, it will always be difficult.”