HEAVYWEIGHTS Salisbury FC and Hereford have been drawn against each other in the FA Trophy.

The phoenix clubs came out in the draw earlier today at Wembley headquarters and will lock horns in the preliminary round on Saturday, October 8.

Whites have the home advantage at the Ray Mac in what will be a re-run of last season's historic FA Vase semi final.

Attracting over 7,000 people across two legs, Bulls prevailed 3-1 on aggregate as they reached the final at Wembley. However, they were thrashed by champions Morpeth Town 4-1.

The hotly-anticipated cup tie means it will be a third time the clubs meet this term after being allotted in Southern League Division One South and West after winning their respective leagues.

The winner will host Chippenham Town, of Southern Premier, on Saturday, October 29 in the first qualifying round.

Boss Steve Claridge says he was left stunned at the draw.

"I'm three-quarters pleased and one quarter disappointed," he said.

"The same as I was when the Vase semi-final draw was made.

"It is a wonderful game for everyone again, with a big crowd likely. I'm just gutted we have to face such quality opposition so early on.

"I thought the way both clubs conducted themselves last season over the two legs of the Vase semi was brilliant. They were gracious to us in victory, their manager and all their officials, and I like to think we were gracious in defeat as well.

"I believe these are two quality clubs with quality players and fans, both very professional.

"It's great that we have an intense rivalry but not a bitter one and that's not always the case in football."

In the FA Cup, Whites will entertain Welton Rovers or Bitton on Saturday August, 20 in the preliminary round for a place in the first qualifying round.

"It should be a good draw for us," added Claridge.

"We are home to lower league opposition so it should be a game we are capable of winning if we play well but you know me and my teams. We won't be complacent."

Prize money for the winners in the preliminary round is £1,925 in the Cup and £2,500 in the Trophy.

The FA Youth Cup draw has paired Whites at home to Wimborne Town on the week commencing September 5 and the winners will earn a home tie against Weymouth, the week commencing September 19.