Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers will take on Chesham United in the First Round of the FA Cup.

Darrell Clarke's men will entertain the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier side at the Memorial Stadium on the weekend of November 7-8 following this evenings draw Live on BBC 2.

Chesham United currently sit 19th in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier but advanced into this evening's First Round draw thanks to a 2-1 win at home to Enfield Town.

Last year Rovers had to qualify for the First Round draw overcoming Dorchester Town thanks to an Ellis Harrison hattrick that saw Rovers run out 1-7 winners on the day before losing then League Two side Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park in the First Round.

A home draw against Chesham United in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup will see former Rovers favourite Barry Hayles return to The Memorial Stadium

The striker, now 43 years of age, has appeared in nine games for our opponents this season and will be sure to receive a warm welcome from Rovers supporters. Having joined us back in the summer of 1997 Hayles went on to score 32 goals in 62 league games whilst at The Mem and last appeared here in the summer, when he turned up to support Phil Kite’s testimonial match.

Rovers boss Darrell Clarke was wary of welcoming the fact that his side had been drawn at home given our record so far!

“Joking aside, I think any club welcomes a home draw in the competition, and in spite of our home results so far, we are delighted that we will be playing in front of our own fans in the first round.

“Chesham play in the Evostik Southern Premier League, the same as Dorchester Town, who we met in the fourth qualifying round last season and a league that some of our local sides, Paulton Rovers, Frome Town and Chippenham Town compete in.

“I’m sure they will be hoping they can come to The Mem and cause an upset and I’m certain that Rovers supporters will welcome Barry Hayles back to the ground where his league career took off.

“We will not treat the game lightly and look forward to hosting Chesham in the best cup competition in the world.”