NORTH Yorkshire is set for a historic four-pronged assault on the first round of this season's FA Cup.

Never before has the county had four representatives in this stage of the competition - with York City joined by non-Leaguers Scarborough, Harrogate Town and Harrogate Railway.

City could even have one-time hero Jon McCarthy in their ranks by the time they make their first foray into this year's FA Cup.

The Northern Ireland winger today began training with City, who will entertain Swansea on November 16, while Scarborough, winners against Arnold Town in their fourth round qualifier, will welcome Cambridge United to the McCain Stadium.

The non-League duo from Harrogate have never reached the first round proper in either of their histories, but they will look to make the most of it even if they have been handed the less glamorous of ties.

Town, victors over Wisbech, will travel to Conference outfit Farnborough after being the second name out of the hat.

While the UniBond League premier division club missed out on a home tie and a possible clash with Football League opposition, boss John Reed was undeterred.

"It is an extremely tough draw for us but it is not impossible for us to go there a get a result," he explained.

"They are at home and the pressure will be on them and while we won't be over confident we will certainly be positive."

He added: "We are just so pleased to have made history and it will be a big day for the players, supporters and everyone connected with the club."

Manager Paul Marshall's dreams of a tie against hometown club York will have to wait after his Railway squad were drawn away to Slough Town.

And having already toppled higher-ranked opposition in first Workington and then yesterday Marine - bringing their earnings in the competition this season to a whopping £46,000 to add to the £26,000 from last year - the Station View club will have no fears over Slough, who play in the Ryman League Division One (north).

"We would have liked a home tie or a professional club away but it doesn't really matter," said the Railway chief.

"We have proved we can match UniBond premier teams so of course we have got a chance."

City boss Terry Dolan was happy about his side's tie with Swansea.

"It is a home tie and we are delighted," he said. "It is everything we can hope for. It is a home game we can look forward to after a run of away games we've had recently.

"You can't pick and choose in the Cup draw. We've been given Swansea at home and we are delighted."

Joining North Yorkshire's quartet in the first round of the FA Cup are Doncaster Rovers, who beat fellow Conference outfit Telford 2-0 thanks to a brace from former City ace and team-mate of McCarthy Paul Barnes.

Rovers now face City's conquerors on Saturday, Bournemouth, in the first round.

FA Challenge Cup first round draw:

Farnborough v Harrogate Town, Tiverton v Crawley Town, Dover or Woking v Oxford Utd, Northwich v Scunthorpe, Bury v Plymouth, Wycombe v Brentford, Bath City or Yeovil v Cheltenham, Hull v Macclesfield, York City v Swansea, Chesterfield v Morecambe, Kidderminster v Rushden & Diamonds, Bournemouth v Doncaster, Dag & Red v Havant & Waterlooville, Horsham or Team Bath v Mansfield, Swindon v Huddersfield, Bristol Rovers v Runcorn FC Halton, Barnsley v Blackpool, Leyton Orient v Marygate, Oldham v Burton Albion, Nuneaton or Barrow v Moor Green, Shrewsbury v Stafford Rangers, Southend v Hartlepool, Hereford v Wigan, Forest Green v Crewe, Scarborough v Cambridge Utd, Stevenage v Hastings Utd or Kettering, Colchester v Chester, Torquay or Bishops Storford or Boreham Wood, Hucknall Town or Vauxhall Motors v QPR, Slough Town v Harrogate Railway, Carlisle v Lincoln City, Heybridge Swifts v Bristol City, Rochdale v Peterborough, Wrexham v Darlington, Luton v Guiseley or Tamworth, Southport v Notts County, Tranmere v Cardiff, Northampton v Boston United, Stockport v St Albans City.

Ties to be played November 16, 17

Updated: 11:57 Monday, October 28, 2002