Hammers face Brighton in FA Cup third round

West Ham United have been handed a home draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round.

Hammers will begin their bid to go one better than last season's effort of reaching the final at Upton Park against the Seagulls, who currently sit 13th in League One and beat non-league Stafford 3-0 yesterday to progress from the second round.

In the draw at the FA's Soho Square headquarters - overseen by Upton Park legend Sir Trevor Brooking - Hammers's number 42 ball was drawn out by boxing star Ricky Hatton.

The tie is to be played on the weekend of January 6-7, 2007. Ticket details for the match will be announced on whufc.com as soon as they are confirmed.

by Danny Francis