Rugby will play either Coventry Sphinx in the Preliminary Round of The Emirates FA Cup at Butlin Road.

It will be the fifth year in a row that Valley have avoided Southern League (or equivalent) opposition in the Preliminary Round.

Rugby have been knocked out two years in a row by Vanarama National League side Worcester City.

Sphinx play in the Midland Football League, one step below Rugby, and ex-Valley player & assistant Craig Herbert is now assistant boss.

A number of ex-Rugby players currently line-up for Sphinx this season including Mitchell Piggon, Richard Blythe, Lewis McBride, Robbie Banks and Mitchell Piggon.

Last season, Rugby reached the Second Qualifying Round after victories against Westfields and Chasetown before losing out for a second year in a row to National League North side Worcester City at Kidderminster's Aggborough Stadium.

In the last ten years, Valley have reached the Third Qualifying Round three occasions before suffering defeats to Chelmsford City in 2006, Bishop's Stortford in 2008 and Worcester City in 2013.

Valley last reached the FA Cup First Round proper back in 1993-4 nearly 18 years ago while Rugby's best FA Cup record came in 1987-88 and 1992-93 when they reached the Second Round Proper.

This year's Preliminary Round tie will be played at Butlin Road on Saturday 29th August 2015.

FA Trophy

In the FA Trophy Rugby have a familiar team to face at last season's Southern League counterparts St Ives Town.

Valley won away at St Ives last season and drew at home during the league campaign as the Saints finished 9th.

The winner of the tie will play a home draw against Kettering Town.

Valley's FA Trophy record in recent seasons has been very poor and Gary Mills' men will be hoping to buck the trend of recent years.

Last season Rugby again tripped at the first hurdle against Stafford Rangers and in the last six years Valley have won just two Trophy ties.

The FA Trophy Preliminary Round will be played at Westwood Road on Saturday 3rd October 2014.