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Minnows get a chance

with all six remaining Second and Commercial Division survivors managing to avoid First Division foes.

Meanwhile, five top flight outfits are sure to be shown the door at the completion of the round.

Arguably the most glamourous match-up is set for December 15 at Bernard Park, where North Village play host to Dandy Town in a cross-town derby.

Surprisingly, Town coach Mark Trott appeared pleased at the outcome, despite having to travel into enemy territory.

"It's the FA Cup, it's the glamour competition, you're either going to be home or away and you never know who your opponents are going to be, that's the beauty of the competition,'' said Trott following the lunch-time draw. "We're drawn against Village and we'll have to deal with the situation.'' Pressed on whether it was a bad draw for Town, considering that six sides from the lower divisions were available, Trott highlighted the unpredictable nature of the competition, calling it a spectator-friendly draw.

"It's the FA Cup and sometimes the minnows come through and sometimes it's better when you play an established team,'' he said. "North Village is an established team and for us it's a case where we know what we can expect from them.'' Town have appeared in three of the last seven finals, losing on each occasion, with their only win in coming in 1987, when they defeated PHC 1-0 in a replay.

Village last held the trophy in 1989, but have failed to reach the last two since.

Likewise, PHC coach Jack Castle showed little emotion when it was learned that his Zebras would have to travel to BAA Field to face Devonshire Colts.

PHC have the most storied FA Cup history, making a total of 17 final appearances, including nine championship victories. By comparison Colts boast two titles in eight showings.

"I'm looking forward to being in the next round, I don't have a problem with that,'' said Castle, whose squad easily handled Colts during a recent league encounter.

"It's a good draw, all the First Division teams are matched up against each other.'' The top battle involving Second Division outfits has Wolves playing host to Somerset in what is sure to provide fireworks on the heels of an explosive contest at the west end several weeks ago that resulted in five players being ejected following a brawl.

Somerset Eagles play host to the lone remaining Commercial Division side, Lobster Pot.

Meanwhile, Friendship Shield competition continues tonight with PHC facing Vasco at BAA Field (9 p.m.), with the Portuguese club in desperate need of a victory to restore their damaged psyche.

Following a raging start Vasco have not recorded victory in their last three matches, losing two. In their latest outing, they were held to a 1-1 draw by St. George's -- a side they earlier massacred 7-0.

PHC, meanwhile, have distinguished themselves as viable contenders despite being among the youngest groups and should give Vasco all they can handle -- if not more.

The curtain raiser has Somerset facing border rivals Somerset Eagles at 7 p.m.

FA CUP DRAW North Village v Dandy Town PHC v Devonshire Colts Boulevard v Devonshire Vasco v Southampton Rangers St. George's v St. David's Wolves v Somerset Social Club v Hotels Somerset Eagles v Lobster Pot