Ling said: "It is a game that will get the players focused and a fantastic draw. If you looked at the teams we could face and nominated the ideal draw, it would probably be Southampton.

"It is a fairly easy journey from Torquay, which makes it a superb draw for the supporters as well. As a club, we’re delighted."

The draw, made at 1000, pits Paul Tisdale's Exeter City against League One and south west rivals Yeovil Town - managed by Terry Skiverton - in the first week of the new season.

Bristol City are at home to Swindon Town in another derby-type encounter while Paul Buckle's Bristol Rovers will host Watford.

With both Bristol sides drawn at home, City won a Football League coin toss and are set to stage their tie on Tuesday August 9 while Rovers will host the Hornets on Wednesday August 10.

Peter Reid's Plymouth Argyle have been drawn at home to Millwall and Cheltenham Town host MK Dons.

All first round ties are due to take place in the week commencing Monday August 8.

The new Football League season kicks off on Saturday August 6.

League fixtures are fixtured to be released tomorrow morning at 0900.