Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett admitted he found himself talking to the television throughout Monday night’s FA Cup first round draw, willing a home tie, before the Stones were finally paired with League One Colchester United.

And Bartlett has now set his sights on reaching the second round of the competition for the first time.

A 2-1 win over Bognor Regis Town – secured thanks to Jonathan North’s two penalty saves – on Saturday ensured the Stones were in the hat on Monday night along with 48 Football League clubs.

“I thought we had got lost in the little bag,” joked Bartlett after being forced to wait until the second last tie before discovering his side’s fate.

“It’s funny. You know what number you are and the home team comes out and you’re talking to the television saying ‘I don’t want them, I don’t want to be away’.”

“We were one of the few left and there was only one other non-league team left.

“If you make it this far all you can ask for is a professional team at home. It will be interesting. It’s nice to get to the first round. It’s a big day, now let’s go and get something.”

The tie might well have attracted the interest of the FA Cup broadcasters but Bartlett doesn’t expect to be selected for live television coverage by either the BBC or BT Sport.

He said: “That would be brilliant but I think we’ll only get highlights so you lose out on the significance of that but we’re all just delighted to get a professional side at home.

“Now our focus is on being the best we can in terms of publicity and also financially and then trying our best on the day to win.”

Bartlett continued: “I’ve been here four times so far and it would be nice to get to the second round.

“I’ve been knocked out at this stage every time before but the most important thing is for the football club to progress.”

Wealdstone’s focus for another week at least is the National League South, though, and on Saturday they travel to leaders Ebbsfleet United.