Oxford United and Oxford City have both been handed a great chance of reaching the FA Cup first round with home ties in the final qualifying round.

Blue Square Premier leaders Oxford United will meet Thurrock, who are third in Blue Square South, in the fourth qualifying round at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, October 24.

Oxford City, whose Cup run has already seen them pocket £15,000, have been drawn against either Bury Town or Bedford Town at Court Place Farm.

Bury, of Ryman League Division 1 North, and Bedford, who like City play in the Zamaretto Southern League Premier Division, drew 1-1 in Suffolk at the weekend, and replay tonight.

Fourth qualifying round winners pick up £12,500 – and the possibility of a money-spinning tie against the likes of Leeds United or Southampton.

United assistant manager Mickey Lewis said: “All you ask for is a home draw and we’ve got that, so we’re pleased.

“But they’re a decent team, third in their league and they’re undefeated away from home, so we have to respect them. We’ll treat it just like a league game and will have them watched somehow before we meet.”

Meanwhile, Oxford City boss Mike Ford is relishing the chance of a crack at getting to the first round.

“I must admit I did feel excited when I saw the draw,” said Ford, who will attend tonight’s replay.

“I’m not particularly bothered whether it’s Bedford or Bury in the next round. We know a bit more about Bedford, having played them a few weeks ago (City won 4-1) – Bury, who are a level below, we know less about.

“It gives us a really good opportunity to get through to the first-round proper and possibly face a massive football club.

“And I would think the manager of the other two sides will think the same.

“I think we wanted the draw we got – a home game. That opportunity has come about by the way the players have been performing. We’re ten games unbeaten and that has bred confidence.”

OXFORD United’s Blue Square Premier game at Cambridge United has been moved forward to Friday, December 18 (7.45pm).

The game was originally scheduled to be played on Saturday, December 19, but both clubs have agreed to a request from Cambridgeshire police to bring it forward.