NEW Milton boss Trevor Parker says "in a quirky way" he's delighted to have drawn Wembley heroes AFC Totton in his first FA Cup tie in charge at Fawcetts Field.

As extra preliminary ties go, Parker, below, couldn't have dreamed of a more attractive one against his old club Totton, who set local non-League pulses racing by reaching the FA Vase final against Truro City in May.

While Totton's fortunes are on the up, New Milton's are in decline with the club having taken voluntary relegation from the Southern to the Wessex League to ward off financial problems.

New boss Parker has been tasked with assembling a new-look, low-cost, young side who will start as clear underdogs against Totton, but he admitted: "In a quirky way I'm over the moon about playing my old club. It'll be a good attraction.

"In terms of hoping to progress in the FA Cup, we've obviously got our work cut out.

"Totton must be rubbing their hands at the prospect of playing us. It's ridiculous to expect us to go through, but you never know in football, do you?

"And even if we do crash out, at least it will be to the FA Vase finalists.

Having watched Totton lose 3-1 to Truro in front of over 27,000 fans at the new national stadium, Parker knows exactly what he's up against.

He said: "I thought Totton's front two (Mark Osman and Floyd Hamodu) caused havoc that day, even though Truro were probably the stronger side overall.

"Totton are an excellent Wessex League side and I get on great with their manager Stuart Ritchie.

"We're getting big challenges after big challenges at the moment at New Milton, but our priority next season is making sure we get enough points to stay in the league."

New Milton have also been blessed with a home FA Vase draw against Hungerford Town in the first round proper on October 6.

The FA Trophy sees Southern League new boys Gosport Borough returning to the competition for the first time since 1991.

They will be at home to Paulton Rovers on October 6 and, should they get through, Alex Pike's men will travel to Winchester City two weeks later.