A first-ever clash with Sholing awaits the Fleet, who were drawn at home to the Southern League Premier South side in the Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round draw this afternoon.

Managed by former Sutton and Havant & Waterlooville boss Paul Doswell, Sholing are currently 17th in the division, but finished sixth last season.

With former Fleet defender Sam Magri (pictured below) in their ranks, the Boatmen have already beaten Andover New Street and Tiverton Town in this season’s FA Cup.

Previously known as Vosper Thornycroft – the works team of the shipbuilders – before their name change in 2010, Sholing were in the Wessex League until 2019. Their best FA Cup run was to the Fourth Qualifying Round in 2020/21 when they lost to Torquay United, and this will be their fourth time at this Third Qualifying stage.

The game will be played at the Morrow Stadium on Saturday, October 3rd. The winners receive £5,625 in prize money and the losers £1,875.