HOLDERS Sholing will open their defence of the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup away at Division One outfit Totton & Eling.

Despite lifting the trophy with a 2-1 win over Baffins Milton Rovers at Portchester last month, Dave Diaper’s Boatmen must start at the very beginning next time round.

Their trip to Millers Park was one of nine first-round ties drawn out of the hat at this week's AGM.

The remaining teams progress straight through to round two.

Sydenhams Wessex League Cup draw 2017/18.

First round: Alresford Town v Christchurch, Blackfield & Langley v Hythe & Dibden, Bournemouth v AFC Portchester, Downton v Ringwood Town, East Cowes Victoria v Fawley AFC, New Milton Town v Laverstock & Ford, Portland United v Amesbury Town, Shaftesbury v Whitchurch United, Totton & Eling v Sholing.

Second round: Andover New Street v Folland Sports, Bashley v Alresford Town / Christchurch, Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Hamble Club, Blackfield & Langley / Hythe & Dibden v Romsey Town, Bournemouth / AFC Portchester v Cowes Sports, Downton / Ringwood Town v Totton & Eling / Sholing, Fareham Town v AFC Stoneham, Horndean v Brockenhurst, Lymington Town v Portland United / Amesbury Town, Newport (IOW) v Tadley Calleva, Petersfield Town v Andover Town, Shaftesbury / Whitchurch United v East Cowes Victoria / Fawley AFC, Team Solent v Baffins Milton Rovers, US Portsmouth v Alton, Verwood Town v New Milton Town / Laverstock & Ford, Weymouth Reserves v Hamworthy United.