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FA Cup first round draw: Gillingham face Steve Bruce’s Blackpool at Priestfield, Tonbridge Angels host Harborough Town and Maidstone United drawn away to Altrincham or Solihull Moors

19:30, 14 October 2024

updated: 20:50, 14 October 2024

Gillingham have been drawn at home to Steve Bruce’s Blackpool in round one of the FA Cup.

The Gills were one of three Kent teams in the first-round draw which took place on Monday night.

Gillingham manager Mark Bonner will be up against Steve Bruce’s Blackpool in round one of the FA Cup Picture: Barry Goodwin
Gillingham manager Mark Bonner will be up against Steve Bruce’s Blackpool in round one of the FA Cup Picture: Barry Goodwin

Tonbridge Angels have also pulled a home draw and will play Southern League Premier Central side Harborough Town.

It’s an away draw for Maidstone United against either Altrincham or Solihull Moors. Their replay is tomorrow (Tuesday) night.

For the Gills, it’s a chance for them to play against their former player Steve Bruce.

Bruce was named League 1 manager-of-the-month for September after a fantastic start to life at his latest club who currently sit 10th in the table.

Steve Bruce and his Blackpool management team after picking up the September Sky Bet League 1 manager-of-the-month award Picture: EFL
Steve Bruce and his Blackpool management team after picking up the September Sky Bet League 1 manager-of-the-month award Picture: EFL

With no replays, all ties will have to be completed on the day.

Maidstone United produced a “complete display” to beat National League opponents Ebbsfleet United in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, thanks to Aaron Blair’s double and Antony Papadopoulos.

United were the story of last season’s competition after making the last 16 but they’ll have to wait to see who they face in round one.

Tonbridge Angels beat Cray Wanderers 1-0 on Saturday.

Maidstone United manager George Elokobi led his team to the fifth round of the FA Cup last season Picture: Helen Cooper
Maidstone United manager George Elokobi led his team to the fifth round of the FA Cup last season Picture: Helen Cooper

It’s the first time former Maidstone boss Jay Saunders has led Tonbridge to the first round since his arrival at Longmead in 2022.

It’s only the second time Tonbridge have reached the first round proper of the FA Cup since 1972.

Even then, they had to play League 2 Bradford City without supporters in the ground four years ago due to Covid restrictions.

Jay Saunders will lead his side into a home tie in the FA Cup first round Picture: Keith Gillard
Jay Saunders will lead his side into a home tie in the FA Cup first round Picture: Keith Gillard

Saunders guided Maidstone to a famous first-round replay win over Stevenage in 2014 and won at League 2 Cheltenham three years later.

Opponents Harborough are currently 16th in their division. They reached the first round after beating Bury 1-0 on Saturday.

The ties take place over the first weekend of November with winning clubs earning £45,000 in prize money and losing sides collecting £15,000.

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