HOLDERS Wisbech Town and March Town United will play derbies in their opening Ridgeons League Challenge Cup matches.

Ridgeons Premier Division outfit Wisbech - who beat Wroxham 1-0 in May’s league cup final to win their first trophy in 16 years - begin their defence of the trophy at Downham Town in the first round.

March have been handed a tough preliminary round draw against higher-league opposition in the shape of Ely City. The Hares - who play in the Ridgeons First Division - were dumped out of the competition by The Robins in the first round last season but at least have home advantage this time round.

Brett Whaley’s side will face a daunting trip to Premier Division runners-up Dereham Town if they progress to the first round proper.

Draw in full

PRELIMINARY ROUND

Cambridge University Press v Long Melford

FC Clacton v Woodbridge Town

Haverhill Rovers v CRC

Ipswich Wanderers v Hadleigh United

March Town United v Ely City

Walsham-le-Willows v Great Yarmouth Town

FIRST ROUND

Dereham Town v March Town United or Ely City

Diss Town v Gorleston

Downham Town v Wisbech Town

FC Clacton or Woodbridge Town v Wivenhoe Town

Godmanchester Rovers v Halstead Town

Haverhill Rovers or CRC v Cambridge University Press or Long Melford

Ipswich Wanderers or Hadleigh United v Brantham Athletic

Mildenhall Town v Swaffham Town

Newmarket Town v Team Bury

Norwich United v Walsham le Willows or Great Yarmouth Town

Saffron Walden Town v Cornard United

Stanway Rovers v Brightlingsea Regent

Stowmarket Town v Kirkley & Pakefield

Thetford Town v Fakenham Town

Whitton United v Felixstowe & Walton United

Wroxham v Debenham LC

• Dates to be arranged