BOWERS & Pitsea are on the road to Wembley after they pulled the London side out of the hat for the FA Vase first round proper.

Rob Small’s side will travel to Wembley FC as they celebrate reaching the first round of the competition, having played qualifying matches against Codicote and Haverhill Rovers at home.

Currently sixth in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, Wembley play in the same division as Colney Heath, who Bowers defeated earlier in the season in the FA Cup, and Small says they pose a tough obstacle.

“We are chuffed to be able to compete in the first round,” said the Bowers boss. “To beat Haverhill Rovers in the manner we did was very impressive and if we can match that level of performance we will go into the game with a good chance.

“The players here have such desire and it will be a great occasion. The Spartan League is a strong league, and we know that after we narrowly went through against Colney Heath.”

Small was part of the Concord Rangers squad that played in the FA Vase quarter-finals six years ago, and he says he knows how much excitement is generated from the tournament.

The Bowers players will be able to see Wembley Stadium when they take on the Spartan side on Saturday, November 1 and Small says that will serve as inspiration.

“It is fantastic,” he said. “It is a great experience for these boys and I am sure players will be excited for the challenge. Wembley is a fantastic stage so to be playing with it as a backdrop will be brilliant.”

l Hullbridge Sports will enter the competition in the second round, after their heroics last season which saw them reach the fourth round before losing to eventual winners Sholing.