PRESTIGIOUS knockout action will be absent from Common Road next season unless Eve-sham United can conjure up favourable results on the road.

The preliminary round of the FA Cup has handed Phil Mullen's men a visit to Brislington on Saturday, August 31 with the winners facing a trip to either Falmouth or Bristol Manor Farm two weeks later.

The Robins also find themselves in preliminary action in the FA Umbro Trophy where they face a difficult task at Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday, October 5.

Shepshed or Dr Martens League Western Division newcomers, Taunton Town, will play host to the winners on November 2.

The club's youth team will also have to win on foreign territory if they are to make FA Youth Cup progress after being paired with Salisbury City. The winners will entertain Gloucester City or Hereford United.

There's more on the road woe for local clubs with Pershore Town facing a trip to Long Eaton United in the FA Vase on September 21.

The Robins will get an early look at Taunton when they head for Somerset on the second Saturday of the new Western Division season.

Evesham start with a home game against Gresley Rovers on Saturday, August 17 before a visit to Solihull two days later.

There's a Boxing Day home clash with Cinderford Town, while Stourport are the visitors on New Year's Day. Promoted Bromsgrove are the visitors on December 14 with the return scheduled for The Victoria Ground on March 15.

Five of United's opening eight league matches are at Common Road - a superb opportunity for Mullen's charges to get on track for promotion.

See next week's Journal for full fixture list and latest news.