CONCORD Rangers, Canvey Island and East Thurrock United have been handed tough draws as they bid to reach the first round of the FA Cup.

Canvey have been handed arguably the toughest draw – against third-placed Conference South side Havant & Waterlooville.

The Gulls beat Barton Rovers 2-1 on Saturday to qualify for the final knock-out round and manager Danny Heale says the draw is tough, but winnable.

“All the games in the latter stages are going to be a challenge,” said Heale. “It is what it’s all about and we are going to battle to get through.

“Havant beat Wingate & Finchley in the last round so I will have a chat with their manager and see if I can learn anything.

“We overcame a very physical challenge at Barton Rovers and I am confident we can win at home and we look forward to the challenge.”

East Thurrock United boss John Coventry will again be in the home dug-out, after his side drew out either Bath City or Shortwood United.

Rocks’ opponents drew 2-2 on Saturday, with the Southern League Division One South & West side pushing their Conference South opposition all the way.

And the Rocks boss says he will be travelling to Gloucestershire to see the replay tonight.

“I know more about Bath than I do about Shortwood,” admitted Coventry. “But Shortwood are challenging at the top of their division and getting a draw at Bath is a very good result.

“We have a home draw which is important at this stage. We did well at the weekend against Tooting & Mitcham United and need to show that good form in the next round as well.”

Concord Rangers, who edged past lower-league Winchester City, have been rewarded with a match at league opponents St Albans City.

St Albans were promoted from the Southern League Premier Division last season via the play-offs, and Beachboys boss Danny Cowley says it will be a hard test.

“An easy draw doesn’t exist at this stage of the draw,” said Cowley. “They are 10th in the league and are well equipped to be successful at this level.

“But we are potentially a match away from a game at Sheffield United so we are extremely motivated to do well. We may be underdogs for this match, but that may be a blessing after the hard game we had against Winchester.”

All the games will be played on Saturday, October 25, with the winners claiming £12,500 and a place in the first round draw.