Only one of the STL Northern League clubs has been drawn at home in the fifth round of the FA Carlsberg Vase.

Holders Whitley Bay are the only team at home, against Dunstable, midtable in the South Midlands League.

Manager Ian Chandler said: “After our epic journey to Herne Bay, we’re delighted to be at home, that’s as much as I could have hoped for.”

Dunstable are currently midtable in the South Midlands League, and have lost nine league games this season.

The other STL clubs in the last 16 have been drawn away. Spennymoor, who played in Bristol last Saturday, must travel to Dorset in order to play Poole from the Wessex League.

Manager Jason Ainsley said: “Another away draw! We’ve had lot of those in recent seasons. I feel sorry for our supporters, because they had to travel a long way last Saturday to Bristol.”

Poole lost to Whitley Bay last season, and to Consett three years ago, both times in the fourth round.

Dunston go down to Essex to play Stansted, who are unbeaten this season in the Essex Senior League. Manager Billy Irwin said: “We’re looking forward to it, and I’ll be going to watch them in action.” Ironically, even though Stansted’s ground is within sight of the airport, Dunston will probably go down by coach.

But the longest trip of all is for Billingham Synthonia, who face an 850 mile round trip to play Torpoint in Cornwall from the South West Peninsula League.

“I suppose when you reach the last 16 of a national competition, you have to expect a long distance game. Our trip to Westfield two rounds ago will be a big help to us in terms of preparation. Most people don’t go this far on holiday!”

The full fifth round draw is: Whitley Bay v Dunstable, Coalville v Holbrook Sports or Lancing, Torpoint Athletic v Billingham Synthonia, Poole Town v Spennymoor Town, Leverstock Green v Rye United, Leiston v Long Buckby, Kings Lynn v Gresley or St Neots, Stansted v Dunston Games to be played February 12th