HARWICH and Parkeston are set to find out today whether they have made the cut for next season's FA Cup.

The draws for both the extra preliminary round and preliminary round are being released at 11am, along with the draws for the early rounds of the FA Vase.

The Shrimpers hope to be involved and met the criteria of achieving a top-six finish in Thurlow Nunn League first division south last term. They are also full members of the FA.

Chairman Tony Armstrong says that at this stage the club have no idea whether they have been successful.

However, he is keeping his fingers crossed.

"I believe some clubs have received emails saying they haven't met the criteria, so have been unsuccessful," he said.

"We haven't heard anything so I'm hoping that bodes well and is an encouraging sign.

"It's a very prestigious competition - arguably the most famous in the world - and it would be incredible to take part again.

"Even for clubs at our level, it can make a huge difference in terms of finance and profile.

"It would mean a lot but we're not counting our chickens.

"We just have to wait and see and all will be revealed this morning.

"At the end of the day, our top priority has to be finishing in the top four and getting promotion and we'll be doing everything possible to make that happen."

The Shrimpers last graced the FA Cup back in the 2009/10 campaign.

Their last appearance in the competition was a 4-1 defeat at London Colney, in the extra preliminary round, on August 15, 2009.

Meanwhile, the club have played their first two pre-season friendlies, losing 1-0 at home to Witham Town on Saturday before beating Stanway Rovers 2-1 at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak on Tuesday.

Jordan Heath scored a goal in each half, with his second coming at the Winstree Terrace End.

Kieron Shelley's side host Felixstowe and Walton on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm) before a trip to Stowmarket Town on Tuesday.