FA Cup draw: No fans allowed at first-round fixtures in November

Coronavirus guidelines will see the games played behind closed doors

(Getty Images)

Fans will not be allowed to attend FA Cup first-round fixtures next month due to fears over the spread of coronavirus.

The draw for the first round of the competition was made on Monday evening, when it was revealed that supporters will not be permitted at grounds as efforts continue combat Covid-19.

Skelmersdale United, the lowest-ranked team left in this season’s FA Cup, will travel to Football League new boys Harrogate Town in the first round next month. 

That tie follows Skelmersdale – a North West Counties League Premier Division side – winning 4-1 at Stafford Rangers to reach this stage of the competition for the first time since 1971.

Former winners Ipswich and Portsmouth will clash at Portman Road in the highest-profile of the 40 first-round ties.

Ipswich won the competition under Bobby Robson in 1978, while Pompey were victorious in 1939 and as recently as 2008.

Elsewhere, National League North side Chorley face a journey of just eight miles to take on Lancashire neighbours Wigan, who shocked Manchester City to win the 2013 final.

Two more former winners face long trips to face sides from the National League South. Blackpool, winners of the famous ‘Matthews Final’ in 1953, travel to Eastbourne Borough, while 1911 winners Bradford go to Tonbridge Angels.

The matches are scheduled to take place 7-9 November.

Information from PA contributed to this report.

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