It was good news for Exmouth Town fans this week when the draw for the early rounds of the FA Cup and Trophy were released, writes John Dibsdall.

Town have been drawn at home in the extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2019. They will play host to Western League Premier side Street on Saturday, August 3.

The winners of the tie will then be at home on Saturday, August 17, against the winners of the tie between Brixham and Saltash United.

In the FA Trophy, Town have a bye in the preliminary round and then will play Southern League Central side Kidlington at home on Saturday September 7. The Oxfordshire-based side beat Town 2-1 at this stage of the competition last season.

It is anticipated that the Southern League Division One South fixtures will be released this Friday.

Town’s pre-season friendlies continue this Saturday when they welcome Torrington, kick off 3pm and on Tuesday evening (July 16), Tiverton Town are the visitors, kick off 7.30pm. Town will also be at home to an Exeter City X1 on Thursday evening July 18, kick off 7pm.

Town had an encouraging start to their friendlies when they visited Hallen last Saturday and came away with a 6-2 victory. Whilst several established and long-serving players featured, the match also gave the management team the opportunity to look at a couple of trialists, one of whom clearly caught the eye with a well-taken hat trick.

Recent signings from Bridgwater United, Ben Griffith and Morgan Williams were in a squad that also included Isaac McCue, who has played for Tiverton and ‘keeper Frankie Phillips from Paulton Rovers. McCue opened the scoring and Karl Riddell and Ace High were also on the scoresheet.