Oxford United, or Oxford City or Witney Town - should they get through their final qualifying round ties today - could find themselves making 500-mile round trips to Bishop Auckland or Lancaster City in the FA Cup first round after the Football Association confirmed that this evening's draw is not being region- alised.

The first and second rounds of the competition used to be split on a simple north-south divide, but this was changed last year.

"It's a national draw," confirmed a spokeswoman at the FA. "It was done like this for the first time last year and was considered successful, so it is continuing in this format."

The fact that it's no longer regionalised greatly reduces the chances of the draw producing the tie all Oxford would love to see, City at home to United.

For any of the local sides whoh make it into the hat for the first-round draw, which is being staged at 5.30pm, and shown live on Sky Sports, the priority will be to get a home tie.

The numbers for each club have already been decided. Oxford United will be ball No 32, Oxford City or Salisbury City No 61 and Yeovil Town or Witney Town No 71.

MARK Watson was back in contention to play for United in their Division 2 game at Brentford this afternoon after recovering from his knee and heel injuries. He was able to train yesterday.

But striker Simon Weatherstone was ruled out after getting a kick on his ankle.

Story date: Saturday 16 October

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