FA Cup Factfile

FA Cup 2017-18 Preliminary Round Tie-by-Tie Preview

All stats by @FACupFactfile (please seek permission before re-producing)

Tie No. 1 – Albion Sports (NCEL Premier) v Newton Aycliffe (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Albion Sports is in the Preliminary Round for first time in three seasons. Both clubs have reached the Preliminary Round for the third time in their short FA Cup history.

Tie No. 2 – South Shields (NPL 1N) v Bridlington Town (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings but a former Bridlington Town beat a former South Shields 5-3 in 1960/61 season.

Facts: It is five years since South Shields last went beyond the Preliminary Round, although only appeared twice in FA Cup in that time. Bridlington Town has only once failed to reach this round in five years.

Tie No. 3 – Pickering Town (NCEL Premier) v Clitheroe (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 5-1 by Clitheroe just two years ago.

Facts: Pickering Town hasn’t gone beyond the Preliminary Round for six years. Clitheroe has suffered just four Preliminary Round exits in the last 15 seasons.

Tie No. 4 – Sunderland Ryhope Community Association (NL 1) v Ashington (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v Round 3

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 2-1 after a replay by Ashington in 2012/13, although Ryhope Community Association beat Ashington 2-1 in a replay in 1987/88 season.

Facts: Sunderland Ryhope CA are equalling their best FA Cup run for the fourth time in 14 campaigns. Ashington looking to make next round for first time in four years.

Tie No. 5 – Guisborough Town (NL 1) v Shildon (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 2

History: Three previous FA Cup meetings with Shildon winning two including a 6-0 victory in the 2012/13 season

Facts: Both clubs have a chequered recent history in FA Cup with both alternating between progressing beyond the Preliminary Round and not doing so over the past five seasons.

Tie No. 6 – Goole (NPL 1N) v Newcastle Benfield (NL 1)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: One previous meeting won 4-0 by Newcastle Benfield nine years ago.

Facts: It is just one FA Cup win in 10 seasons for Goole. Newcastle Benfield has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round twice in the last three seasons.

Tie No. 7 – Barnoldswick Town (NWCL Premier) v Dunston UTS (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: extra preliminary v 4^th qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 4-0 by Dunston UTS last season.

Facts: Barnoldswick Town has reached the Preliminary Round for the first time at the seventh attempt. Dunston UTS hasn’t failed to progress beyond this round in each of the last three seasons.

Tie No. 8 – Tadcaster Albion (NPL 1N) v Colne (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting two seasons ago won 4-2 by Colne.

Facts: Tadcaster Albion reached 1^st Qualifying Round for the first time in four seasons last year, whilst Colne have progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 9 – Harrogate Railway Athletic (NCEL Premier) v Kendal Town (NPL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v Round 2

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Harrogate RA has progressed beyond this round just four times since last registering their best Cup run ten years ago. Just one FA Cup win in four seasons for Kendal Town.

Tie No. 10 – Scarborough Athletic (NPL 1N) v Marske United (NL 1)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Scarborough Athletic have suffered two successive knock-outs in the FA Cup Preliminary Round since last equalling their best ever Cup run. Marske United has gone beyond Preliminary Round in three of the last four seasons.

Tie No. 11 – Consett (NL 1) v Heaton Stannington (NL 2)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 1 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Consett has gone beyond Preliminary Round in each of the last three seasons. Heaton Stannington hasn’t gone beyond the Preliminary Round in 31 years although this is only the second season of trying to do so since then.

Tie No. 12 – Penrith (NL 1) v Whitley Bay (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v Round 3

History: One previous FA Cup meeting way back in 1975/76 season won 1-0 by Penrith.

Facts: It is four seasons since Penrith last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round. Only the second time in five seasons Whitley Bay has made the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 13 – Abbey Hey (NWCL Premier) v Maine Road (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Abbey Hey has only been knocked out in either the Extra Preliminary Round or the 2^nd Qualifying Round in the club’s last nine campaigns. Maine Road progressed beyond the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in four years.

Tie No. 14 – Sheffield (NPL 1S) v Ossett Town (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: QUARTER FINAL v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Three Preliminary Round knock-outs in six seasons for Sheffield, whilst Ossett Town has only gone out at this stage once in the last 14 seasons.

Tie No. 15 – Penistone Church (NCEL Premier) v Litherland REMYCA (NWCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: extra preliminary v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Litherland REMYCA are competing in FA Cup for the first time.

Facts: Both sides are appearing in the Preliminary Round for the first time as Penistone Church won their first FA Cup match this year at the third attempt.

Tie No. 16 – Bamber Bridge (NPL 1N) v Brighouse Town (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Bamber Bridge were knocked out in this round of the FA Cup last season for the first time in 15 years whilst it is five years since Brighouse Town exited the competition in the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 17 – Hallam (NCEL 1) v Atherton Collieries (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 3-2 by Atherton Collieries seven years ago.

Facts: This is the first appearance in the Preliminary Round for Hallam for eight years (although just five campaigns in that time). It is four successive Preliminary Round exits for Atherton Collieries and seven in the last eight FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 18 – Frickley Athletic (NPL 1S) v Runcorn Town (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 3 v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup.

Facts: Frickley Athletic have not exited FA Cup in Preliminary Round for 45 years, although they last appeared in it 35 years ago. Runcorn Town last went beyond the Preliminary Round three seasons ago.

Tie No. 19 – Ramsbottom United (NPL 1N) v Liversedge (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Ramsbottom United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last year for the first time in seven campaigns. Conversely, Liversedge is in Preliminary Round fir the first time in six years.

Tie No. 20 – Pontefract Collieries (NCEL Premier) v Skelmersdale United (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Pontefract Collieries equalled their best ever FA Cup run last season. It is six years since Skelmersdale United exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round although this is their first appearance in it for five years.

Tie No. 21 – Ashton Athletic (NWCL Premier) v Runcorn Linnets (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Ashton Athletic set their best ever FA Cup run last season. Runcorn Linnets have alternately not progressed beyond this round or have done so over the last eight seasons. Which will it be this time?

Tie No. 22 – Parkgate (NCEL Premier) v Handsworth Parramore (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup.

Facts: It is six years since Parkgate last went beyond the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. Handsworth Parramore recorded their best ever FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 23 – Trafford (NPL 1N) v Kidsgrove Athletic (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Trafford has gone out at this stage of the competition just once in the last seven seasons, whereas Kidsgrove Athletic have had three Preliminary Round exits in their last five FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 24 – Prescot Cables (NPL 1N) v City of Liverpool (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as City of Liverpool are competing in it for the first time.

Facts: Prescot Cables has gone out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in each of the last two seasons.

Tie No. 25 – 1874 Northwich (NWCL Premier) v West Didsbury and Chorlton (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v preliminary (record run beckons)

History: One previous FA Cup meeting two years ago won 3-0 by 1874 Northwich, the club’s biggest FA Cup win.

Facts: 1874 Northwich has reached the Preliminary Round in every one of their four campaigns whilst for West Didsbury and Chorlton it is four times now in the club’s five FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 26 – Glossop North End (NPL 1N) v Mossley (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: QUARTER FINAL v Round 2

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2010/11 season won 4-0 by Mossley at Glossop.

Facts: Glossop North End had their second Preliminary Round exit in five seasons last year whilst Mossley ended a run of five consecutive Preliminary Round exits by winning at this stage last season.

Tie No. 27 – Hyde United (NPL 1N) v Congleton Town (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 1

History: Four previous FA Cup meetings with Hyde United winning through on three occasions, although the first meeting in 1953 ended in a 5-5 draw.

Facts: It is 38 years since Hyde United were last knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round, one of only two occasions the club has suffered that fate. Congleton Town has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the last seven seasons.

Tie No. 28 – Ossett Albion (NPL 1N) v Droylsden (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 2

History: This will be the clubs’ third meeting in the FA Cup in four years, with Droylsden winning both previous encounters.

Facts: Ossett Albion reached the 1^st Qualifying Round in each of the last three seasons whilst Droylsden went out in the Preliminary last season for the first time in 20 years.

Tie No. 29 – Colwyn Bay (NPL 1N) v Stocksbridge Park Steels (NPL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v 4^th qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting, a 2011/12 2^nd Qualifying Round tie won 3-1 by Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Facts: Colwyn Bay hasn’t gone out at this stage of the competition for eight years whilst Stocksbridge Park Steels has exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in each of the last three seasons.

Tie No. 30 – Radcliffe (NPL 1N) v Burscough (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 2

History: Four previous FA Cup meetings with Burscough winning through on three occasions including the last time they met four years ago.

Facts: Radcliffe have only suffered defeat at this stage of the competition three times in their last 23 campaigns. Burscough were last knocked out as early as the Preliminary Round 25 years ago.

Tie No. 31 – Leek Town (NPL 1S) v Cammell Laird 1907 (NWCL 1)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 2 v 3rdmqualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Leek Town haven’t failed to progress from the Preliminary Round for four years now. It is four years since Cammell Laird went beyond the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.

Tie No. 32 – Sporting Khalsa (MFL Premier) v Market Drayton Town (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Sporting Khalsa has never failed to reach the Preliminary in each of their five campaigns. Last season was the fourth time in 11 campaigns that Market Drayton Town was eliminated from the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 33 – Alvechurch (NPL 1S) v Hanley Town (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 3 v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is six years since Alvechurch last went beyond the FA Cup Preliminary Round. Hanley Town are equalling their best FA Cup run achieved twice now in their three campaigns.

Tie No. 34 – Walsall Wood (MFL 1) v Tividale (WMRL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6 (one step 6 club guaranteed to win)

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings although Tividale did beat the original Walsall Wood 3-0 in 1981/82 season.

Facts: Last year was the first time in five seasons that Tividale exited the FA Cup as early as the Preliminary Round. It is four years since Walsall Wood last went beyond the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.

Tie No. 35 – Bedworth United (NPL 1S) v Haughmond (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Bedworth United last exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round four years ago. Haughmond are into the Preliminary Round for the first time in what is the club’s second FA Cup campaign.

Tie No. 36 – Rugby Town (MFL Premier) v Romulus (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is six years since Rugby Town last exited the FA Cup as early as the Preliminary Round. Romulus has had three Preliminary Round exits in their last five FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 37 – Bromsgrove Sporting (MFL Premier) v Coleshill Town (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting two seasons ago won 3-2 by Coleshill Town after a replay.

Facts: Bromsgrove Sporting have only ever exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in their three campaigns. It is four years since Coleshill Town exited the FA Cup as early as the Preliminary Round and the club equalled its best ever Cup run just two seasons ago.

Tie No. 38 – Wolverhampton Casuals (WMRL Premier) v Boldmere St Michaels (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is five years since Wolverhampton Casuals set its best ever FA Cup run and progressed beyond the Preliminary Round for the only time so far. It is just three years since Boldmere St Michaels did the same.

Tie No. 39 – Worcester City (MFL Premier) v Chasetown (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 4 v Round 3

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 22 years since Worcester City exited the FA Cup as early as the Preliminary Round. It is eight years as well since Chasetown last experienced defeat in the FA Cup Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 40 – Brocton (MFL 1) v Gresley (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is four years since Brocton went beyond the Preliminary Round for the first and only time so far. Gresley has failed to go beyond the Preliminary Round just three times in their nine FA Cup campaigns so far.

Tie No. 41 – Newcastle Town (NPL 1S) v Evesham United (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Newcastle Town has failed to go beyond this Round of the FA Cup five times in the last 10 seasons. It is just two Preliminary Round exits in 13 seasons for Evesham United.

Tie No. 42 – AFC Wulfrunians (MFL Premier) v Westfields (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup.

Facts: AFC Wulfrunians have progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in five of their nine previous campaigns. Westfields famously made the 1^st Round last season.

Tie No. 43 – Birstall United (EMCL) v Cleethorpes Town (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 4

Best Runs: N/A v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Birstall United is in the club’s first FA Cup campaign.

Facts: Cleethorpes Town has gone out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons following their record Cup run in their debut season.

Tie No. 44 – Shepshed Dynamo (MFL Premier) v Kimberley Miners Welfare (EMCL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 1 v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Kimberley Miners Welfare is competing in FA Cup for the first time.

Facts: Shepshed Dynamo has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round twice in the last three years.

Tie No. 45 – Kirby Muxloe (UCL Premier) v Dunkirk (EMCL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Last season was the first time Kirby Muxloe progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in their eight campaigns to date. Dunkirk has done so in both their last two campaigns.

Tie No. 46 – Grimsby Borough (NCEL 1) v Leicester Road (MFL 1)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6 (one step 6 club guaranteed to progress)

Best Runs: extra preliminary v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Grimsby Borough are into the Preliminary Round for the first time in what is the club’s second FA Cup campaign. Leicester Road made the 1^st Qualifying Round in their only FA Cup run to date.

Tie No. 47 – Oadby Town (UCL Premier) v Loughborough Dynamo (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Oadby Town has gone beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the last six FA Cup campaigns. Loughborough Dynamo has suffered four consecutive exits in the FA Cup Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 48 – Hinckley AFC (MFL 1) v Aylestone Park (EMCL)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6 (one Step 6 club guaranteed to progress)

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Hinckley AFC has now won four out of six FA Cup matches whilst Aylestone Park won their first one to get this far for the first time in their second FA Cup season.

Tie No. 49 – Quorn (MFL Premier) v AFC Mansfield (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is five seasons since Quorn last went beyond the Preliminary Round. AFC Mansfield achieved their best ever FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 50 – Staveley Miners Welfare (NCEL Premier) v Basford United (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: This is the first time in three seasons Staveley Miners Welfare are appearing in the Preliminary Round. Basford United has had two Preliminary Round exits in the four FA Cup campaigns since returning to the competition following almost 60 years away.

Tie No. 51 – Boston Town (UCL Premier) v Carlton Town (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Boston Town is into the Preliminary Round for the first time in three seasons. Carlton Town has been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 52 – Lincoln United (NPL 1S) v Belper Town (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: After three successive Preliminary Round exits, Lincoln United has gone successively further in the FA Cup in each of their last three campaigns. It is six years since Belper Town last tasted defeat in the FA Cup Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 53 – Bottesford Town (NCEL Premier) v Clipstone (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: The winner of this tie will at least equal their best FA Cup run achieved once by Bottesford Town and twice by Clipstone.

Tie No. 54 – Wisbech Town (UCL Premier) v Spalding United (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v Round 1

History: Three previous FA Cup meetings all won by Wisbech Town, although the last meeting was 39 years ago.

Facts: Wisbech Town last went beyond the Preliminary Round three seasons ago. Spalding United has gone beyond the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup in each of the last four seasons.

Tie No. 55 – Dereham Town (IL 1N) v Corby Town (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 3

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Dereham Town have progressed beyond the Preliminary Round just seven times in their 15 FA Cup campaigns. It is 13 years since Corby Town last lost in FA Cup Preliminary Round, but this is the first time in 12 years they are appearing in this Round.

Tie No. 56 – Cambridge City (SL 1SE) v Stamford (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v Round 1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 7-0 by Cambridge City in the 1969/70 season.

Facts: It is 35 years since Cambridge City last tasted defeat in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, although it is 33 years since the club last appeared in it. Stamford reached the 1^st Round ‘Proper’ for the first time in their 93^rd FA Cup campaign last season.

Tie No. 57 – Barton Rovers (SL 1SE) v Deeping Rangers (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is seven years since Barton Rovers failed to progress beyond the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. For Deeping Rangers it is two seasons.

Tie No. 58 – Yaxley (UCL Premier) v Harborough Town (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Yaxley has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the last eight seasons, whilst Harborough Town are equalling their best run for the fourth time in just five campaigns.

Tie No. 59 – Holbeach United (UCL Premier) v Northampton ON Chenecks (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Holbeach United has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons. Northampton ON Chenecks won their first FA Cup game in the last Round in their second campaign.

Tie No. 60 – Potton United (UCL 1) v AFC Dunstable (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 11 years since Potton United last went beyond the FA Cup Preliminary Round. AFC Dunstable equalled their best ever FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 61 – Newport Pagnell Town (UCL Premier) v Kempston Rovers (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is five years since Newport Pagnell Town last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round. Kempston Rovers has only progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in three of their last 12 FA Cup campaigns over 18 years.

Tie No. 62 – Arlesey Town (SL 1SE) v Desborough Town (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Arlesey Town lost in the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in nine seasons. It is seven years since Desborough Town last went beyond the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 63 – Soham Town Rangers (IL 1N) v Cogenhoe United (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Soham Town Rangers has been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in seven of the last nine seasons. Cogenhoe United has gone beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the 11 seasons since posting their best Cup run.

Tie No. 64 – Eynesbury Rovers (UCL Premier) v Peterborough Sports (NPL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting two seasons ago won 1-0 by Peterborough Sports.

Facts: Eynesbury Rovers went beyond the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in 21 years and eight FA Cup campaigns. Peterborough Sports equalled their best ever FA Cup run last season for the second successive year.

Tie No. 65 – Wellingborough Town (UCL Premier) v AFC Rushden and Diamonds (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: This is the first appearance in the Preliminary Round for Wellingborough Town for five seasons. AFC Rushden and Diamonds are yet to taste defeat in the Preliminary Round in any one of their four FA Cup campaigns so far.

Tie No. 66 – Bedford Town (SL 1SE) v Swaffham Town (ECL 1)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 1 v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Bedford Town has gone out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round twice in the last three seasons. Swaffham Town is into the Preliminary Round for the first time since the club’s debut season four years ago.

Tie No. 67 – St Margaretsbury (SSML Premier) v Hullbridge Sports (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 1-0 by St Margaretsbury in 2009/10 season in a replay.

Facts: It is four years since St Margaretsbury last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round. Hullbridge Sports has only once gone further than this stage in 18 FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 68 – Bury Town (IL 1N) v Tilbury (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 3

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 1998/99 won 3-2 by Tilbury after a replay.

Facts: Bury Town exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in 13 years whereas it is eight years since Tilbury failed to win an FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Tie No. 69 – Southend Manor (ESL) v Gorleston (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is five years since Southend Manor last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round, and four years since Gorleston did so.

Tie No. 70 – Bowers and Pitsea (IL 1N) v Haringey Borough (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting, a 2006/07 Extra Preliminary Round tie won 2-0 by Bowers and Pitsea.

Facts: Bowers and Pitsea has only once gone beyond the Preliminary Round in their 13 FA Cup campaigns so far. Haringey Borough progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 71 – Maldon and Tiptree (IL 1N) v Waltham Abbey (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2000/01 season won 3-1 by Maldon (Town)

Facts: Maldon and Tiptree has gone out in the FA Cup Preliminary Round twice in the last three seasons. Waltham Abbey set their best Cup run just three years ago, although have had one loss and one win in the Preliminary Round since then.

Tie No. 72 – AFC Hornchurch (IL 1N) v Brentwood Town (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2010/11 won 1-0 after a goalless draw by Brentwood Town.

Facts: AFC Hornchurch has never been knocked out of the FA Cup as early as the Preliminary Round in any one of their 12 campaigns so far. Brentwood Town were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in seven years.

Tie No. 73 – Canvey Island (IL 1N) v Witham Town (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 3 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Canvey Island is competing at this stage of the competition for the first time in 10 years, the last time the club was knocked out in this Round. It is six years as well since Witham Town last lost in the FA Cup Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 74 – Clapton (ESL) v Norwich United (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 3 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 12 years since Clapton last went beyond the Preliminary Round. After equalling the club’s best Cup run three years ago, Norwich United has exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 75 – Framlingham Town (ECL 1) v Mildenhall Town (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 4

Best Runs: N/A v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Framlingham Town is in the club’s first ever FA Cup campaign.

Facts: Mildenhall Town is at Step 4 in the Non-League Pyramid for the first time and has been exempted from the Extra Preliminary Round for the first time in 13 seasons.

Tie No. 76 – Haverhill Rovers (ECL Premier) v Heybridge Swifts (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is six years since Haverhill Rovers last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round, whilst Heybridge Swifts won through the FA Cup Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 77 – Newmarket Town (ECL Premier) v Ware (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 3-0 by Newmarket Town in 1999/2000 season.

Facts: Newmarket Town has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the club’s last 13 FA Cup campaigns. Ware has been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in each of the last four seasons.

Tie No. 78 – Tower Hamlets (ESL) v Takeley (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Tower Hamlets has only gone beyond the Preliminary Round once and that was in the club’s debut FA Cup run seven years ago. Takeley is into the Preliminary Round for only the second time in the club’s eight FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 79 – Brantham Athletic (ECL Premier) v Cheshunt (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Brantham Athletic has only twice gone beyond the Preliminary Round in the club’s eight previous FA Cup campaigns. A win in this Round last season brought to an end a run of five consecutive Preliminary Round knock-outs for Cheshunt.

Tie No. 80 – Stowmarket Town (ECL Premier) v Romford (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 1-0 by Romford in the 1998/99 season.

Facts: It is 16 years since Stowmarket Town last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in nine FA Cup campaigns. Romford has only managed to go beyond the Preliminary Round eight times in their 17 FA Cup campaigns this Century.

Tie No. 81 – AFC Sudbury (IL 1N) v Aveley (IL 1N)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: AFC Sudbury hasn’t been knocked out at this stage of the competition for seven years, whilst Aveley were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in 10 years.

Tie No. 82 – Ilford (ESL) v Haverhill Borough (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is seven years since Ilford last achieved their best ever FA Cup run. Haverhill Borough did so in their first FA Cup campaign; this is the club’s third.

Tie No. 83 – Hertford Town (IL 1N) v Hadleigh United (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is three seasons since either Hertford Town or Hadleigh United last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 84 – Great Yarmouth Town (ECL Premier) v Basildon United (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 15 years since Great Yarmouth Town last went beyond the FA Cup Preliminary Round. Basildon has achieved that feat twice in that time.

Tie No. 85 – Grays Athletic (IL 1N) v Redbridge (ESL)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v Round 2

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 38 years since Grays Athletic were knocked out as early as the Preliminary Round in the FA Cup. It is six years since Redbridge progressed beyond the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 86 – Long Melford (ECL Premier) v FC Romania (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is the first time in three seasons that FC Romania has made it to the Preliminary Round. It is 13 years since Long Melford last made it beyond the Preliminary Round when they recorded their best Cup run.

Tie No. 87 – Barking (IL 1N) v Saffron Walden Town (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 11 FA Cup campaigns since Barking last made it beyond the Preliminary Round going out at this stage in both the last two seasons. Saffron Walden Town reached the 1^st Qualifying Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 88 – Potters Bar Town (IL 1N) v West Essex (ESL)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as West Essex is competing in the FA Cup for the first time.

Facts: Potters Bar Town equalled their best ever FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 89 – Slimbridge (SL 1SW) v Cinderford Town (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is three years since either side exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round. Slimbridge reached the 2^nd Qualifying Round in both the last two seasons whilst Cinderford Town only reached the 1st qualifying Round both times.

Tie No. 90 – Flackwell Heath (HL Premier) v Didcot Town (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Flackwell Heath has gone beyond the Preliminary Round twice in the last three seasons. A best ever run to the FA Cup 1^st Round for Didcot Town two seasons ago came between two exits in the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 91 – Baldock Town (SSML 1) v North Greenford United (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Baldock Town is in just the club’s third FA Cup campaign reaching the Preliminary Round in the first one. It is five years since North Greenford United failed to progress beyond this round.

Tie No. 92 – Chalfont St Peter (SL 1SE) v Beaconsfield Town (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Chalfont St Peter has twice equalled their best FA Cup run in the last five seasons. Beaconsfield Town achieved their record FA Cup run for the first time last season, two rounds further than they had ever been before in 19 campaigns.

Tie No. 93 – Ashford Town (Mdx) (SL 1SE) v Wembley (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is three seasons since Ashford Town (Mdx) exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round, whilst it is four years since Wembley last went beyond the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 94 – Colney Heath (SSML Premier) v Shortwood United (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step x v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is five years since Colney Heath last achieved their best Cup run. Shortwood United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in four years during which time they set their best ever Cup run..

Tie No. 95 – Kidlington (SL 1SW) v Wantage Town (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting two seasons ago won 3-2 by Wantage Town.

Facts: Kidlington set their best ever FA Cup run two seasons ago, but were knocked out in the Preliminary Round in both the year before and the year after achieving i. Wantage Town equalled their best Cup last season for the fourth time.

Tie No. 96 – Swindon Supermarine (SL 1SW) v Northwood (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is four years since Swindon Supermarine last exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary for only the second time in 16 campaigns. Northwood has gone out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round three times in the last six seasons, including last year.

Tie No. 97 – Hayes and Yeading United (SL 1SE) v Brimscombe and Thrupp (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: This is the first time Hayes and Yeading United have had to take part in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup in what is their 11th campaign. Brimscombe and Thrupp set their best FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 98 – Leighton Town (SSML Premier) v Tuffley Rovers (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Leighton Town has gone beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the last five seasons. For Tuffley Rovers it is once in their last seven campaigns over 12 years.

Tie No. 99 – Crawley Green (SSML Premier) v Berkhamsted (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2011/12 won 2-1 by Berkhamsted.

Facts: Crawley Green has only once gone beyond the Preliminary Round seven years ago. It is four years since Berkhamsted made it beyond the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 100 – Chipping Sodbury Town (TWL Premier) v Bishop’s Cleeve (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: N/A v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Chipping Sodbury Town is competing in the FA Cup for the first time.

Facts: Bishop’s Cleeve have exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in both of the last two seasons and four times in the last six years.

Tie No. 101 – Leverstock Green (SSML Premier) v Aylesbury United (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 3

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Leverstock Green is into the Preliminary Round for the first time in three seasons. Aylesbury United are competing in the FA Cup for the 100^th time. The club has been knocked out in the Preliminary Round in each of the last three seasons and five times in the last six years.

Tie No. 102 – Southall (SSML 1) v Hadley (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 3 v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Southall progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in both the club’s last two FA Cup campaigns 15 and 12 years ago. Hadley achieved their best FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 103 – Aylesbury (SL 1SE) v Cirencester Town (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Aylesbury exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in four years. It is five years since Cirencester Town were last knocked out in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.

Tie No. 104 – Uxbridge (SL 1SE) v Thame United (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Uxbridge hasn’t been knocked out in the Preliminary Round for six years, whilst it is three seasons since Thame United last went beyond the Preliminary Round in the FA Cup.

Tie No. 105 – Highworth Town (HL Premier) v Marlow (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v SEMI FINALS

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Highworth Town progressed beyond the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in three years. Marlow has been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in each of the last four seasons.

Tie No. 106 – Hanwell Town (SL 1SE) v Longlevens (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is three years since Hanwell Town departed the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round and the club registered their best Cup run two years ago. Just one previous FA Cup campaign for Longlevens so far.

Tie No. 107 – Highmoor-Ibis (HL Premier) v North Leigh (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Highmoor-Ibis achieved their best FA Cup run in their debut season four years ago. North Leigh achieved their best ever FA Cup run last season in their 18^th campaign.

Tie No. 108 – Cockfosters (SSML Premier) v Holmer Green (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Cockfosters have achieved their best FA Cup run twice in the last four seasons. Holmer Green have achieved their best Cup run just once back in 2004/05 season.

Tie No. 109 – Pagham (SCFL Premier) v Sittingbourne (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 2

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Pagham has not failed to progress to the 1^st Qualifying Round in each of the last three seasons. Sittingbourne were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season for the second time in three years.

Tie No. 110 – Hollands and Blair (SCEL Premier) v Crowborough Athletic (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Just one previous FA Cup campaign so far for Hollands and Blair. It is nine years since Crowborough Athletic last went beyond the Preliminary Round when they set their best ever Cup run.

Tie No. 111 – Erith and Belvedere (SCEL 1) v Cray Valley Paper Mills (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is six years since Erith and Belvedere last went beyond the Preliminary Round. Cray Valley Paper Mills has now reached the Preliminary Round four times in the club’s five FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 112 – Whyteleafe (IL 1S) v Erith Town (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is six years since Erith Town last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round. Whyteleafe has just one Preliminary Round exit in the last four seasons.

Tie No. 113 – Carshalton Athletic (IL 1S) v Walton and Hersham (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v Round 2

History: Three previous FA Cup meetings, all requiring replays, with two won by Walton & Hersham including an 8-0 win in the 1949/50 season.

Facts: It is 64 years since Carshalton Athletic last tasted defeat in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. On the other hand Walton and Hersham has gone out in Preliminary in each of the last four years.

Tie No. 114 – Haywards Heath Town (SCFL Premier) v South Park (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 19 years since Haywards Heath Town last made the 1st Qualifying Round, but this is just the club’s seventh campaign since then. South Park has only once gone out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in their seven campaigns and that was six years ago.

Tie No. 115 – Colliers Wood United (CCL Premier) v Shoreham (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 4-1 by Colliers Wood United in 2012/13 in a replay.

Facts: Colliers Wood United achieved their best FA Cup run last season. Shoreham suffered loss in Preliminary Round last season for the second time in three years.

Tie No. 116 – Sutton Common Rovers (CCL Premier) v Eastbourne Town (SCFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Sutton Common Rovers are into the Preliminary Round for only the second time in their eight FA Cup campaigns. Eastbourne Town has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 117 – Corinthian-Casuals (IL 1S) v Hythe Town (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Over the last 15 years Corinthian-Casuals have either gone out in the Preliminary Round or the 1^st Qualifying Round. Over last six seasons Hythe Town have been knocked out of FA Cup either in the Preliminary Round or the 2^nd Qualifying Round. Which will it be this year for the two clubs?

Tie No. 118 – Greenwich Borough (IL 1S) v Three Bridges (SCFL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 4-1 by Three Bridges 15 years ago.

Facts: It is four years since Greenwich Borough were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round and the club set their best Cup run three seasons ago. Conversely, Three Bridges has gone out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in each of the last three seasons.

Tie No. 119 – Deal Town (SCEL Premier) v Glebe (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Deal Town has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round just once in their last seven campaigns. Glebe won their first FA Cup tie this year after a two year wait to play it.

Tie No. 120 – Walton Casuals (IL 1S) v Molesey (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting, a 2008/09 Preliminary Round tie won 2-0 by Walton Casuals.

Facts: Walton Casuals equalled their best ever Cup run last season after five consecutive Preliminary Round exits. Molesey has only once gone beyond the Preliminary Round in their last seven FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 121 – Redhill (CCL Premier) v Ashford United (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings although Redhill did lose to Ashford Town in the 1951/52 season.

Facts: Redhill last went beyond the Preliminary Round three seasons ago. Ashford United set their best ever FA Cup run last season in their fifth campaign.

Tie No. 122 – Ramsgate (IL 1S) v Hanworth Villa (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Ramsgate has exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round six times in the last eight seasons. Hanworth Villa has only once progressed beyond the Preliminary Round and that was in the first of their six previous FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 123 – East Grinstead Town (IL 1S) v VCD Athletic (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 7-0 by VCD Athletic in Extra Preliminary Round 2005/06, both the biggest FA Cup win and FA Cup loss for the two sides.

Facts: East Grinstead Town has gone out in the Preliminary Round in each of the last three seasons and not gone further in seven years (four campaigns). It is four years since VCD Athletic last lost in the Preliminary Round and the club ha equalled its best ever Cup run twice since then.

Tie No. 124 – Cray Wanderers (IL 1S) v Sevenoaks Town (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 17 years since Cray Wanderers last tasted defeat in the FA Cup Preliminary Round and have gone out in the 1^st Qualifying Round in each of the last four seasons. Sevenoaks Town set their best FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 125 – Banstead Athletic (CCL Premier) v Loxwood (SCFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is six years since Banstead Athletic last went past the FA Cup Preliminary Round. Loxwood are in to the Preliminary Round for the second time in their three campaigns so far.

Tie No. 126 – East Preston (SCFL Premier) v Thamesmead Town (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: East Preston has progressed beyond the Preliminary three times in the last four seasons. Thamesmead Town set their best ever FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 127 – Littlehampton Town (SCEL Premier) v Eastbourne United Association (SCFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: Four previous FA Cup meetings with two wins apiece, including a 6-1 win for Littlehampton Town in 1937 that equals the club’s biggest FA Cup margin of victory.

Facts: It is three years since Littlehampton Town last made it beyond the Preliminary Round. Eastbourne United has made the 1^st Qualifying Round three times in the last four seasons.

Tie No. 128 – Chipstead (IL 1S) v Horley Town (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Chipstead has suffered just one Preliminary Round exit in the eight seasons since achieving the club’s best ever FA Cup run. It is four years since Horley Town last went past the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 129 – Tunbridge Wells (SCEL Premier) v CB Hounslow United (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is four years since Tunbridge Wells progressed beyond the Preliminary Round. CB Hounslow United has had just one FA Cup campaign so far and will play their second successive tie this year at the same away ground.

Tie No. 130 – Steyning Town (SCFL 1) v Phoenix Sports (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 22 years since Steyning Town progressed beyond the Preliminary Round but this is only the club’s fourth FA Cup campaign since then. Phoenix Sports were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season having registered their best Cup run the season before.

Tie No. 131 – Chertsey Town (CCL Premier) v Horsham (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 2

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Chertsey Town made the 1^st Qualifying Round last season for the first time in three years. Horsham has gone out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 132 – Herne Bay (IL 1S) v Chessington and Hook United (CCL 1)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 6

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is four years since Herne Bay last tasted defeat in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. Chessington and Hook United have twice equalled their best FA Cup run in last three seasons.

Tie No. 133 – Lewes (IL 1S) v Newhaven (SCFL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 20 years since Lewes last were knocked out of FA Cup in the Preliminary Round and the club has equalled its best Cup run three times during that period. Conversely, it is 55 years since Newhaven went beyond the Preliminary Round although this is only the club’s third FA Cup campaign since then.

Tie No. 134 – Sheppey United (SCEL Premier) v Hastings United (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: extra preliminary v Round 3

History: No previous FA Cup meetings, although original Hastings United did twice beat original Sheppey United.

Facts: It is 14 years since Hastings United last suffered defeat in the Preliminary Round and the club set its best ever Cup run five years ago. Sheppey United won their first FA Cup tie in the Extra Preliminary Round in the club’s second campaign.

Tie No. 135 – Croydon (SCEL Premier) v Faversham Town (IL 1S)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 2 v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Croydon has gone past the Preliminary Round twice in the last three seasons. Faversham Town set their best ever FA Cup run last season and it is nine years since the club were knocked out before the 1^st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

Tie No. 136 – AC London (CCL 1) v Egham Town (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 4

Best Runs: N/A v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as AC London is competing in the club’s first FA Cup campaign.

Facts: Egham Town equalled their best ever FA Cup run last season bringing to an end five successive Preliminary Round defeats preceded by five successive Extra Preliminary Round exits.

Tie No. 137 – Bracknell Town (HL Premier) v Winchester City (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Bracknell Town had progressed beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the last four seasons. It is five years since Winchester City last tasted defeat in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.

Tie No. 138 – Fleet Town (SL 1SE) v AFC Totton (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 2

History: Three previous FA Cup meetings with AFC Totton victorious in all three: 3-1 in 1995/96, 5-2 in 2008/09 and 2-0 in 2011/12.

Facts: Fleet Town hasn’t gone out at this stage of the FA Cup for four years. AFC Totton has exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 139 – Andover Town (WL Premier) v Wimborne Town (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings, although Wimborne Town has had one victory in the FA Cup over Andover.

Facts: Andover Town set their best FA Cup run last year in their second campaign. Wimborne Town were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season for the fourth time in six years.

Tie No. 140 – Godalming Town (CCL Premier) v Farnham Town (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Godalming Town has made the 1^st Qualifying Round in each of the last three seasons. Farnham Town has achieved that feat just once in 16 campaigns this Century.

Tie No. 141 – AFC Portchester (WL Premier) v Amesbury Town (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: AFC Portchester has equalled the club’s best FA Cup run in both the last two seasons and Amesbury Town set their best Cup run last season, too.

Tie No. 142 – Hamworthy United (WL Premier) v Ascot United (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Hamworthy United has gone past the Preliminary Round three times in the last four seasons including a record equalling run in the first of those campaigns. Ascot United set their best FA Cup run last season.

Tie No. 143 – Binfield (HL Premier) v Horndean (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is four years since Binfield last progressed beyond the Preliminary Round when they set their best FA Cup run. Horndean last equalled their best Cup run for the ninth time three years ago.

Tie No. 144 – Brockenhurst (WL Premier) v Hartley Wintney (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Brockenhurst set their best FA Cup run just two seasons ago. Hartley Wintney set their best FA Cup run three years ago but have gone out before 1^st Qualifying Round in every other year over the last seven seasons.

Tie No. 145 – Guildford City (CCL Premier) v Camberley Town (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Guildford City has twice gone beyond Preliminary Round in last six seasons including last year. Camberley Town reached the 1^st Qualifying Round last year for the second time in four seasons.

Tie No. 146 – Salisbury (SL 1SW) v Fareham Town (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings although Fareham Town and Salisbury City had two wins apiece against each other.

Facts: Just one FA Cup campaign so far for Salisbury reaching the 2nd Qualifying Round last season. Fareham Town has reached the 1st Qualifying Round three times in the last five seasons.

Tie No. 147 – Badshot Lea (CCL 1) v Moneyfields (SL 1SE)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Badshot Lea has exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round in each of the last four seasons. Moneyfields are trending to reach 2^nd Qualifying Round this season having gone out in Extra Preliminary, Preliminary and 1^st Qualifying Round successively in the last three seasons.

Tie No. 148 – Laverstock and Ford (WL 1) v Knaphill (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: This is the second appearance in the Preliminary Round for both Laverstock and Ford and for Knaphill in the four FA Cup campaigns they have both had so far.

Tie No. 149 – Alresford Town (WL Premier) v Thatcham Town (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Alresford Town set their best ever FA Cup run last season. Thatcham Town has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the last four seasons.

Tie No. 150 – Portland United (WL Premier) v Paulton Rovers (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 47 years since Portland United made it to the 1^st Qualifying Round although the club is only in its fifth FA Cup campaign since then. It is four years since Paulton Rovers last tasted defeat in the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 151 – Barnstaple Town (SL 1SW) v Clevedon Town (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 1

History: Two previous FA Cup meetings both won by Barnstaple Town including a 1-0 victory last season.

Facts: Barnstaple Town have reached the 1^st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup in both the last two seasons, the first times they had got that far in 10 years. It is four years since Clevedon Town made it through the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 152 – Tavistock (SWPL Premier) v Shaftesbury (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Tavistock has progressed beyond the Preliminary Round just once in their last seven FA Cup campaigns. Shaftesbury won their first FA Cup match for 67 years, although this is only the club’s seventh FA Cup campaign since then.

Tie No. 153 – Bideford (SL 1SW) v Wells City (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 3-2 by Bideford in a replay way back in the 1949/50 season.

Facts: It is seven years since Bideford last lost in the Preliminary Round although they have only competed in it twice since then. Wells City have gone beyond the Preliminary Round four times in their last six FA Cup campaigns, although over 60 years.

Tie No. 154 – Cadbury Heath (TWL Premier) v Yate Town (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Cadbury Heath set their best ever FA Cup run last season. Yate Town has been knocked out in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 155 – Bridgwater Town (TWL Premier) v Brislington (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: Two previous FA Cup meetings both won 1-0 by Bridgwater Town.

Facts: It is three seasons since Bridgwater Town last went beyond the Preliminary Round. Brislington has gone beyond the Preliminary Round twice in the last four years.

Tie No. 156 – Hengrove Athletic (TWL Premier) v Bodmin Town (SWPL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting two seasons ago won 1-0 by Bodmin Town.

Facts: This is just the second time Hengrove Athletic is appearing in the Preliminary Round in the club’s sixth FA Cup campaign. Bodmin Town has gone beyond the Preliminary Round five times in the club’s last seven FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 157 – Willand Rovers (TWL Premier) v Bristol Manor Farm (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Willand Rovers last went beyond the Preliminary Round three seasons ago when they posted their best ever Cup run. Bristol Manor Farm equalled their best FA Cup run three years ago, but last season were knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 158 – Odd Down (TWL Premier) v Mangotsfield United (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 4

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 2-1 by Mangotsfield United in a replay back in 1999/2000 season.

Facts: Mangotsfield United were knocked out in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup last season for the first time in six years, although they were disqualified that season so it could be viewed as first time in 15 years.

Tie No. 159 – Taunton Town (SL 1SW) v Larkhall Athletic (SL 1SW)

Levels: Step 4 v Step 4

Best Runs: Round 1 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Taunton Town equalled their best ever FA Cup run last season. Larkhall Athletic were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round last season for the first time in six years, after two successive years of registering their best ever Cup run.

Tie No. 160 – Bridport (TWL Premier) v Street (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 2-0 by Bridport 14 years ago.

Facts: Bridport has gone beyond the Preliminary Round just once in the last seven seasons. Street has made the 1^st Qualifying Round twice in the same period.

Stat-packed FA Cup EP Rd Review 2017-18

The Record Setters

Liam Tack (pictured) scored the opening goal for Flackwell Heath in the club’s 5-0 equal best ever FA Cup win over fellow Hellenic League Premier Division club Burnham. Timed at 7.51pm on the 4^th August, it is the earliest in the season an FA Cup goal has ever been scored, beating the record set by Thame United’s Lynton Goss just last season.

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Colin McDonald (pictured below) scored the opening goal for Litherland REMYCA in the club’s 2-0 win over local rivals, and higher North West Counties League opponents, AFC Liverpool. Not only is this the first ever FA Cup goal scored by REMYCA, but it will forever be known as the first goal scored on the BBC’s new initiative to live broadcast on the Internet one FA Cup game per qualifying round.

Colin McDonald

Hat-tricks for Stacy Field and John Munday alongside doubles for Tom Carter and Alex Campana as well as strikes by Frankie Jowle and Dan Jones gave Berkhamsted a massive 12-1 victory at fellow Spartan South Midlands Premier League club Stotfold. This win is the fourth largest margin of victory this Century and establishes the record of the highest away win of the 21^st Century, too.

Other Notable Feats

Several other clubs either set a new record FA Cup win for the club or equalled their best margin of victory. After only ever having scored a maximum of two goals in any one of the previous FA Cup matches Spartan South Midlands Premier Division side Hadley won 9-1 at Langford from Division One of the same League (Laste Dombaxe and Kerkstun MacPherson both hit hat-tricks in the win). Wolverhampton Casuals won 7-0 at home to fellow West Midlands Regional League Premier Division side Malvern Town to set a new record for The Cassies, with Liam Hughes claiming four of the goals.

Hellenic League Premier Division side Ascot United and Bottesford Town from the Northern Counties East League Premier Division both recorded club record 6-0 FA Cup wins over Wessex League Division One club Ringwood Town and Long Eaton United from the Midland Football League Premier Division respectively.

There were also record setting FA Cup wins for Harborough Town (5-0 at fellow United Counties League Premier Division side Northampton Sileby Rangers), North West Counties Premier League club West Didsbury and Chorlton (5-0 at Northern Counties East League Premier club Athersley Recreation), as well as for Longlevens (5-1), Amesbury Town (4-0), Brimscombe and Thrupp (4-0), Holmer Green (4-0) and Hanley Town (4-1).

Bizarrely, Combined Counties League Premier Division side Redhill’s 8-1 victory at Hailsham Town, of Southern Combination League Division One, doesn’t even come close to being in The Lobsters’ top three record FA Cup wins.

Ollie Pitt scored all four goals for Hellenic League Premier Division side Brimscombe and Thrupp in the club’s 4-0 win over Sun Sports from the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, netting all four in the first 23 minutes of the match.

Northwest Counties League Premier Division side Runcorn Linnets had only ever been knocked out of the FA in the Extra Preliminary Round twice before, and both times to Hemsworth Miners Welfare. So it was sweet revenge for the Linnets when they were able to lay that ghost to rest by beating the Northern Counties East League Premier Division club 2-0 at the 3^rd attempt in this EP Rd.

Another club defeating opponents in the FA Cup at the third time of asking is Southern Counties East League Division One side Erith and Belvedere, who won 4-0 against fellow Step 6 opponents Wick, from the Southern Combination League Division One, particularly impressive given The Deres hadn’t even scored in the previous two FA Cup meetings.

Several clubs registered their first ever FA Cup victory, some after a considerable number of efforts of trying to do so. Aylestone Park, Grimsby Borough, Haughmond, Northampton ON Chenecks, Sheppey United (current club) and Glebe (disqualified from taking part two years ago) have all won at just their second attempt. Northern Counties East League Premier Division side Penistone Church finally recorded their first FA Cup in the club’s third campaign (a tight 4-3 win a FA Cup new boys Charnock Richard from North West Counties League Premier Division), but top plaudits go to another North West Counties League Premier Division side Barnoldswick Town who, by winning 3-1 at home to Jarrow Roofing Boldon Community Association from Northern League Division One, managed to be victorious in the FA Cup at the seventh time of asking.

Goals from Charlie Browne and Danny Finnigan (in extra time) gave Western League Premier Division club Shaftesbury a 2-1 victory at Exmouth Town of South West Peninsula League Premier Division, earning the Dorset club its first FA Cup victory for 67 years. The Queen was still known as Princess Elizabeth the last time Shaftesbury won in the FA Cup!

Eight of the 23 clubs making their FA Cup debut have progressed to the Preliminary Round of this year’s competition. Two were guaranteed to do so as debutantes faced off, but the two who prevailed in those ties had been the two clubs who had waited the longest to take part in this illustrious competition. Eastern Counties League Division One side Framlingham Town had waited 130 years to participate in the FA Cup and finally prevailed 3-1 against Wadham Lodge of the Essex Senior League after the two sides had played out a goal-less draw. Waiting three years longer than the Suffolk club to make their bow in the FA Cup was Chipping Sodbury Town of The Western League Premier Division who won 3-1 at home to Brackley Town Saints of Hellenic League Premier Division.

For both these two clubs they’ve waited 130 years or so to experience their first taste of FA Cup football and a second course comes along just two weeks later!

The other debutantes winning through to the Preliminary Round are AC London, Birstall United, City of Liverpool, Litherland REMYCA and West Essex. East Midlands Counties League side Kimberley Miners Welfare will join them despite an initial 4-2 loss at home to Blaby and Whetstone Athletic, but their opponents have been deemed to have played an ineligible player and so The Miners have been re-instated.

Some of these FA Cup debutante winners compete at Step 6 in the Non-League pyramid and caused a minor Cup upset (Cupset) by defeating a club from Step 5. These include East Midlands Counties League Premier Division side Birstall United (3-0 at home to South Normanton Athletic from Midland Football League Premier Division) and the aforementioned Litherland REMYCA and Framlingham Town.

The biggest Cupset margin of victory was posted by Southall who won 5-1 at home to Harpenden Town who play in the higher division of the Spartan South Midlands League. North West Counties League Division One side Cammell Laird 1907 won 4-1 at home to Maltby Main of Northern Counties East League Premier Division, whilst South West Peninsula League Premier Division side Tavistock won by the same scoreline, but they were away at Shepton Mallet of The Western League Premier Division.

The only other three goal margin of victory by a lower league side came from Northern Counties East League Division One side Hallam who won 3-0 at home to Bootle from North West Counties League Premier Division. Other Cup upsets were produced by Swaffham Town (3-1), Litherland REMYCA (2-0), Dunkirk (2-1) and Leicester Road (2-1) all at their own ground, and by Steyning Town (2-4), Chessington & Hook United (1-3 in a replay), Bodmin Town (2-3), Tividale (2-3 in a replay), Hinckley AFC (1-2), Potton United (1-2 in a replay), Aylestone Park (0-1) and Heaton Stannington (0-1) at the higher league club’s ground.

Matty Moffatt scored a hat-trick for Bishop Auckland in their first game with fellow Northern League Division One side Consett, but it was all to no avail as Consett came back from conceding two early goals to win 5-2 in the replay. Matt Glass scored all three goals for Combined Counties League Premier Division side Farnham Town, including a last minute winner, to see off the brave challenge from the lower level Wessex League Division One outfit Fawley.

Ash Edenborough claimed a hat-trick as Hellenic League Premier Division side Highworth Town won 4-2 in their replay at London Colney from Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division. Malachi Thomas bagged three for Combined Counties League Premier Division side Walton and Hersham as they won 7-0 at home to Mile Oak of Southern Combination League Division One. Joel Brownhill scored three of Ashton Athletic’s four goals in their 4-0 win at fellow North West Counties League Premier Division side Squires Gate.

Luke Crewe scored all three goals for Hengrove Athletic from right-back in their 3-1 win at fellow Western League Premier Division club Wellington.

Joining Ollie Pitt and Liam Hughes by going one better by netting four goals is Sam Newsome as Brantham Athletic won 7-2 at fellow Eastern Counties League Premier Division side Felixstowe and Walton United.

Several clubs maintained their unblemished record of never having been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round. For some clubs like Midland Football League Premier Division side Sporting Khalsa, Wessex League Premier Division side Andover Town and North West Counties League Premier Division outfit 1874 Northwich it is only a handful of campaigns they’ve had so far to avoid defeat in this round. For the aforementioned Southall it is now 92 FA Cup campaigns avoiding an Extra Preliminary Round exit.

The already mentioned Walton and Hersham is in the club’s 72^nd FA Cup campaign. North West Counties League Premier Division side Burscough has now avoided that fate for the 71^st time. For Southern Combination League Premier Division side Eastbourne Town it is their 69^th FA Cup campaign. And for Midland Football League Premier Division side Rugby Town it is their 42^nd FA Cup season, although this was the first time the club had had to compete in this early round. Harrogate Railway Athletic (31 campaigns), Bridgwater Town and Steyning Town (20) have all also breathed a huge sight of relief.

Flip Side of the Coin

For every club celebrating a marvellous achievement in the FA Cup there is likely to be another club hoping that their unwanted record or result is not given any limelight. However, some outcomes deserve mention, even if only to show how great the club had been to avoid such a fate in the past.

Northwich Victoria’s 2-0 replay defeat against local rivals and fellow North West Counties League Premier Division side 1874 Northwich means the Vics have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round for the first time ever. To be fair to the club this is only the second time in 109 FA Cup campaigns that it has had to compete at such an early stage of the competition.

Other clubs tasting defeat in this round for the first time include Essex Senior League side Great Wakering Rovers (22^nd campaign), Eastern Counties League Premier Division side Wroxham (23^rd), Midland Football League Premier Division side South Normanton Athletic and Combined Counties League Premier Division club AFC Hayes (both 24^th) and Wessex League Premier Division club Bashley (30^th).

Southern Counties East League Premier Division outfit Whitstable Town has experienced defeat in the Extra Preliminary Round for the first time since the 1949/50 season.

Several clubs have had the misfortune of recording their worst ever FA Cup defeat. These include the already mentioned Stotfold (1-12, record home defeat in 21^st Century), Malvern Town and Mile Oak (both 0-7), Athersley Recreation (0-5), and Sun Sports (0-4). Joining this quintet are West Midlands Regional League Premier Division side Wellington (lost 2-6 at Coleshill Town of Midland Football League Premier Division), North West Counties League Premier Division side Barnton (lost 1-4 at Northern Counties East League Premier Division side Parkgate), and Hellenic League Premier Division side Windsor (lost 1-4 at home to Wembley of Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division).

Many, many clubs have exited the FA Cup in this Extra Preliminary Round stage for at least their third consecutive FA Cup campaign (although some clubs like Barnton where the run itself spreads over many years). Western League Division One club Keynsham Town (over 16 years) and Eastern Counties League Division One side Woodbridge Town (over nine years) both recorded their seventh successive Extra Preliminary Round defeat.

However, holding the current unwanted record number of consecutive exits at this stage of the competition are Hailsham Town and Eastern Counties League Division One club Diss Town (over 10 years), who have both exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last nine campaigns. It might be a nice gesture by the FA to pair these two clubs together next season to put at least one of them out of their misery!

One small crumb of comfort for Hailsham and Diss is that they have both actually tasted victory in the FA Cup before, which is more than can be said for 10 other clubs (plus those making their debut in the competition this year and failing to progress). Abbey Rangers, AFC Uckfield, Broadbridge Heath, Cheddar and Wolverhampton Sporting Community this year was only their second FA Cup campaign, and for AFC Darwen, Sunderland Ryhope Colliery Welfare and Wellingborough Whitworth it was just their third.

Southern Counties East League Premier Division side AFC Croydon Athletic has now had five FA Cup campaigns and has yet to experience the Preliminary Round, whilst the club with the current highest number of campaigns and yet to register a win is the aforementioned Fawley who have had six campaigns so far. (Nb. I consider AFC Uckfield Town to be a different club to AFC Uckfield who, along with Uckfield Town, were one of two clubs who merged to form the current club. However, the FA consider the current AFC Uckfield Town to be a continuation of AFC Uckfield. If that is the case then AFC Uckfield Town join Fawley on six FA Cup campaigns without a win as AFC Uckfield’s FA Cup record is four campaigns and four Extra Preliminary Round exits).

Both Fawley and AFC Uckfield Town have some way to go, though, to equal the record for the most FA Cup campaigns and always exiting in the Extra Preliminary Round. That unfortunate record belongs to a Birmingham based club called Headingly who posted 11 consecutive Extra Preliminary Round exits in the 11 seasons prior to World War II.

FA Cup Floweth Over – My EP Round Journey

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Friday 6th August – Heanor Town 0 – 1 Aylestone Park

This tie was selected as the Friday night match to watch as it was more or less on the way to where I was to be based over this FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round weekend. Being a Friday during the school holiday season, and with 120 miles to travel, I departed South Oxfordshire at 3.15pm, a full four and a half hours before kick-off to ensure safe arrival on time. And thank goodness I did as over an hour later I was still in Oxfordshire stuck on the M40 with a million others.

Cutting cross country to the M1 seemed to be the idea everyone else had and so with two hours to go before kick-off I now found myself stuck on the M1 in the roadworks for what was oxymoronically called smart motorway improvements with still 60+ miles to go. Despite the many hindrances on the way I did manage to get to the ground in plenty of time for kick-off where I met Amanda and the rest of the Heanor Town volunteers who had kindly offered to be my hosts for the night.

I was quite surprised by the openness of the Town Ground. I’d expected a tightly compacted old-fashioned northern town centre ground, and hadn’t realised the Town Ground accommodated both cricket and football, and that that was the reason for the Friday night fixture. The social club by the cricket ground was heaving both inside and out, basking in what was an unexpectedly warm evening sun, whilst I meandered around the ground taking photos and getting to know those involved in running the club.

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My intention also was to keep up to date with all the other Friday night matches and share those updates with those who follow @FACupFactfile, but past experience told me to ensure my tablet was fully charged in order to last the whole match. So I plugged it into a socket in the prefab boardroom and then heard a loud crack. The plug was kaput. I’d have to hope the power would last the match. It wouldn’t.

The two teams came out slightly later than expected, a delay that would have an impact on an FA Cup record set later in the evening. There was a nice touch from the Aylestone Park captain Kieran Neat who led his team out cuddling his recently born child and participated in the respect handshake before handing the baby back to its mother.

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The match kicked-off five minutes late, and the higher league home side pressed early on and maybe should have capitalised on that short period of dominance. As is often the case in football, though, the visitors broke away from one period of resolute defending and struck a blow by scoring on the counter-attack, with Ryan Foster netting from close range in the fifth minute.

Having switched off my tablet to conserve power, I quickly had to re-boot it so as to announce the goal and declare it as ‘the earliest in a season a goal had ever been scored in the FA Cup’ – 4th August 7.55pm. However, there had already been an announcement on Twitter of another goal being scored, a sixth minute strike by Liam Tack (pictured) for Flackwell Heath.

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I’d built up the anticipation of this ‘earliest ever goal in FA Cup’ record and Twitter was awash with congratulations to Liam Tack until my Tweet announcing the earlier Aylestone Park goal. However, upon confirmation with Flackwell Heath, their opening goal was timed at 7.51pm and so therefore beat the goal by Ryan Foster by four minutes. Whatever the reason for the delay in kick-off at Heanor, it had robbed the Aylestone Park player a place in the history books, that place being taken by Liam Tack.

Instead of invigorating the home side that early strike seemed to knock the wind out of their sails and the rest of the half proved to be pretty nondescript. I spent most of the time conversing with Groundhoppers one, a friend who is match secretary for the local Central Midland Football League Chris Berezai, and others whom I recognised from attending the Groundhops at my own local league, the North Berks League.

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Half time came and I joined the club officials in their boardroom for half time snacks and a cuppa where I met both home and away officials and members of the North West Counties League committee. I spent the 15 minutes trying to catch up on all the half time scores from the five FA Cup matches being played that night and share what was going on at the Town ground.

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The second half of the match echoed the last 40 minutes of the first half and the lower league East Midlands Counties League side held on to their lead to register their first ever FA Cup win in what is their second campaign. The more FA Cup seasoned hosts were out with barely a whimper and I rushed to the bar where the only internet connection was based to update Twitter and find out the rest of the scores.

Chris Berezai kindly showed me directions to get to the M6 via Derby and Stoke and I set off to Southport where I would be staying with my mother as a base from which to visit North West clubs competing in the FA Cup. First I would have to take a trip to PC World to get a replacement lead to my powerpack, fraught as I was with the though ‘how could I be @FACupFactfile if I couldn’t update Twitter during the massive amount of FA Cup games to take place on the Saturday’.

I should have arrived in Southport by midnight, but the road system contrived to prevent me from doing so. First, the A50 was closed just outside Stoke, but as luck would have it, the diversion took me north and towards Junction 16 of the M6 which is what I needed. My celebrations of a small bit of fortune proved to be very short-lived because Junction 16 is the start of the M6 smart motorway improvements. Traffic was heavy but moving, but that didn’t last long as the carriageway was reduced to one lane and we all came to a standstill. Half-past eleven at night and I was stuck in non-moving traffic. Unbelievable!

I finally arrived in Southport closer to 1.0am than midnight and was inspired to go into the 24 hour Tesco near my mother’s house to see if they had the part I needed to power my tablet. The store may well be 24 hours, but the electronic department is 8.0am to 8.0pm and so not a soul was in sight. I’d never been in a supermarket at 1.0am before and I probably never will again. To her credit, my mother was still up to greet me, and I asked her with little expectation if she had a connecting lead like the one I needed. Bless her, despite being an Octogenarian on her next birthday, she scoured through all her cupboards and drawers and produced the lead I needed. I would get a fret-free sleep after all as my tablet re-charged overnight.

Saturday 5th August – Litherland REMYCA 2 – 0 AFC Liverpool

Luck was on my side when this tie was selected for me as the Saturday FA Cup match to attend via a Twitter poll between this tie, the Northwich derby and Padiham versus City of Liverpool, as the BBC had announced they were to expand their coverage of the FA Cup by showing one match per Qualifying Round live via the Internet. The luck element was because of FA rules the match could not kick off at 3.0pm and was brought forward to 12.30pm instead, meaning I could be safely ensconced back in Southport to report on the plethora of FA Cup matches taking place that afternoon.

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Heanor Town had exhibited a very high level of hospitality towards me and Litherland REMYCA took it to the next level. The club was participating and hosting an FA Cup tie for the first ever time, had had the match brought forward two and a half hours and had to accommodated a BBC cameraman and his colleague, but still found time to treat me as if I had been a founding member of the club back in 1959.

The real club founder Ken Edwards, founding the club along with his brother Billy, was my host pre-match, making me cups of tea and regaling me with stories of how the club was created and how it has risen through the Non-League pyramid to its current level of North West Counties League Division One. Ken is a true football man, full of passion for his club coupled with a vision that has been embraced by like-minded individuals.

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Sitting in the ‘boardroom’ ahead of the game gave me plenty of opportunity to meet many Litherland REMYCA board members and volunteers as well as officials from AFC Liverpool, the referee and his assistants, and more members of the North West Counties League committee. However, the pitch at REMYCA is a long way from the boardroom and the community centre wi-fi didn’t stretch that far. I could have watched the game from the boardroom and tweeted updates, but decided to go pitch-side to watch the game and provide updates at half time and the end of game.

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I bumped into a couple of Groundhoppers, including one from the previous evening, and settled down by a corner flag nearest the clubhouse. The first half of the match proved to be a great advert for football at this level as witnessed by a global audience via the internet. AFC Liverpool started the brighter, but the hosts soon came into their own, and the AFC Liverpool keeper made a series of close range saves, seemingly with every part of his body but his hands, to keep REMYCA at bay. The joke amongst those watching on the Internet was that with a performance like that he wouldn’t be at AFC Liverpool by next week.

Despite the good play from both sides the game remained goal-less at half-time. I quickly scurried back to the boardroom for wi-fi connectivity and reported as much jokingly commenting that everyone would probably know that anyway thanks to the BBC coverage. Conor McNamara re-tweeted my updated to the masses! Half time also gave me the opportunity to speak to more of the REMYCA volunteers.

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The second half of the match kept up the standard exhibited in the first half, with one major difference: it was all REMYCA, who came close on several occasions to opening the scoring thwarted by a combination of keeper, defenders on the line and woodwork. Eventually, though, the breakthrough came, appropriately via another goal-line clearance, but this time Colin McDonald (pictured) was on hand to steer the ball home. He went charging towards the fans behind the goal, a distance almost equivalent to sprinting to the half-way line, to celebrate finally taking the lead. The goal will forever go down in history as the first goal scored whilst being broadcast live by the BBC for Internet viewers.

Colin McDonald

REMYCA continued to be on top for the rest of the game and added a wonderful second goal to go on and produce the first Cupset of this year’s competition. I rushed back to the boardroom to tell everyone who hadn’t been watching the game remotely only to find wi-fi connectivity wasn’t forthcoming. It was only a minor hindrance on what had been a very special FA Cup occasion and I set off back to Southport for the whirling dervish experience of trying to keep on top of 150 or so FA Cup ties simultaneously.

Sunday 6th August – Widnes 0 – 5 Handsworth Parramore

My tablet performed normally for the next 12 hours allowing me to provide reviews on all Saturday’s FA Cup matches and start the process of collating data to preview the known preliminary rounds. Just as I completed the task I was notified that battery life had just 6% left, a strange notification given that it was plugged in to the mains. I went to adjust the connection only to end up burning my fingers as the wire had come loose and was heating up the plastic casing. I yanked the wire out just in time as it was on the verge of catching fire.

I had time to get a replacement but none of PC World, Argos, Tesco or local firm Maplins had what I needed in stock. The only option was next day delivery from Amazon which meant no tablet for the Widnes versus Handsworth Parramore game and so no updates on Twitter. Plus I had to borrow my mother’s digital camera. Twice in just over 24 hours my elderly parent came to my rescue with modern day technology!

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I arrived at the Select Security Stadium in a blaze of sunlight and was met by club ambassador Paul Pennington who proceeded to take me through the maze of the stadium up to the corporate box from where I would view the match. This was a different experience from all other non-league FA Cup ties I’d attended, but one thing was definitely the same: the commitment and dedication of a band of volunteers who keep the club running like Chairman Ian Ross, club development officer Bill Morley and media office Callum Chadwick to name just three.

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Watching a non-league game from the gods of a corporate box is definitely a different experience to the norm, but it did afford a great view of what was happening on the artificial 3G pitch. With the danger of sounding derogatory to both sides, as I definitely do not mean it to be read like that, but on the pitch it was Widnes playing the football and Handsworth Parramore scoring the goals.

A 5-0 drubbing in their first FA Cup match was not the kind of luck I was hoping to bring the home side, particularly as like Heanor and REMYCA before them, they had treated me as if was a lifelong member of the club. Ian Ross asked me to draw the 50/50 winning ticket and even that was won by the wife of the Chairman of the visitors. If it wasn’t for bad luck I wouldn’t have brought Widnes any luck at all.

In a bad case of karma, technology got its own back on me. One of the attendees in the corporate box was Ben Tollit, a former Widnes player now plying his trade with Tranmere Rovers but currently injured. I jokingly asked for an autograph and a photo so I had something to sell on EBay in 2022 when Ben is famously playing for a Premier League club. Ian Ross kindly offered to take the photo, but once done so the camera decided to pack in. To rub salt in the wound the heavens had opened and I got soaked getting back to my car.

Me amd Ben Tollit (Tranmere Rovers)

Of course no tablet also meant no updates from @FACupFactfile but that would be remedied when the new powerpack arrived on Monday morning. True to their word Amazon delivered it exactly on the time stated in their email and I eagerly set about getting on with my updates. Or that’s what I’d hoped to be doing, but somehow the new powerpack was interfering with my mouse control making it impossible to use whilst plugged in. Remote usage of the tablet was fine, but the machine needed charging so I frustratingly had to wait the three or so hours for that to happen before I could do anything.

I decided to Google how to fix the problem only to find on Microsoft’s website that there was a product recall notice for the original powerpack for the Surface model I was using and a free replacement could be ordered. Well it would only be a few days of having to alternate between using my tablet and charging it, and as annoying as that was, it was bearable for a short time.

Tuesday 8th August – 1874 Northwich 2 – 0 Northwich Victoria

With careful planning and coordination I was able to ensure my tablet would be fully charged whilst attending the Northwich derby FA Cup replay (in Winsford). I would avoid the M6 smart motorway roadworks and get to a McDonalds two minutes from Winsford United’s ground to re-charge what power had been lost from the journey. And then I’d be able to report from the Barton Stadium and keep on top of all the other FA Cup replays happening that night. Best laid plans and all!

The back roads to Winsford proved to be as troublesome as taking the Motorway. I didn’t know that there were major roadworks around the Mersey Crossing to Runcorn and I didn’t know that the diversion signs were for local knowledge use only. I’d allowed plenty of time and thank goodness I did as the rush hour traffic was horrendous at the roadworks and I took a wrong turning. I eventually made it to the McDonalds an hour or so before kick-off but it didn’t give me much time to re-charge the battery for the tablet before going to the stadium.

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I like to arrive early on FA Cup days so I can get to meet those who are responsible for helping to run the club and who have kindly agreed to show me around. For tonight’s match that was to be Vicki, the 1874 Northwich club secretary. As with all club secretaries, pre-kick-off on match-day is one of the busiest times of the day, so after a wonderful initial greeting, I was left to my own devices with an access-all-areas pass.

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The Barton Stadium is a beautiful venue. The pristine pitch is surrounded by banked oval open ends and two old fashioned, distinctly unique stands and covered terracing. The vote for which match I attended on the Saturday put this original tie in second place so I was glad of the opportunity to attend the replay. From an outsiders point of view there was an expectation of an acrimonious air between the two clubs, and whilst there is intense rivalry that you would expect between two such close neighbours, there is also camaraderie, as witness when 1874’s Vicki gave Victoria’s joint owner Ian a massive welcoming hug when he arrived.

My immediate concern was to ensure I had a programme (thanks Brian) and internet access (thanks for your efforts Emma). A new and unexpected spanner was to be placed in the works to thwart my efforts to interact with the outside world. The club had installed a new wi-fi kit with Vodafone. My tablet connected to it perfectly and all seemed well. However, for some reason it wouldn’t access Twitter and my BT Anywhere option that I pay good money for was nowhere to be seen. Emma did everything she could to resolve my issue, but it seemed that the Vodafone wi-fi was not set up to access Twitter (no, I didn’t know that was a thing either).

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As for the match itself, there was only ever going to be one winner. 1874 Northwich took the game to their opponents and could have taken the lead several times before they actually did, eventually running out 2-0 the victors. That defeat for Victoria is the first time the club has ever gone out of the FA Cup at the Extra Preliminary Round stage in 109 seasons of participating in the competition. To be fair to them ,though, it was only the second time they had actually had to play in this round.

I’d decided to return back to South Oxfordshire as I was already a third of the way home. I was in no rush but a clear run was expected. Yet again the UK motorway system decided that this was not to be the case. Joining the M6 in the middle of the smart motorway improvement roadworks meant I started at a crawl, but that was not unexpected. What was unexpected, though, was that the motorway was closed between Junctions 15 and 14 and we would all be diverted down the speed camera laden A34. It probably added an hour to my journey, but at least I got back safely. Who knows if I have one or more speeding tickets, mind!

So four FA Cup matches in five days. A veritable treat of terrific football capped off by the most wonderful of warm welcomes from all the volunteers and board members at each and every one of the clubs I visited. These people are the reasons why I am so passionate about the FA Cup at this stage of the competition, and why I am happy to endure the awful UK road system to attend them. I want to thank everyone of the clubs for their hospitality particularly my hosts for each game: Amanda (Heanor), Ken (REMYCA), Ian (Widnes) and Vicki (1874).

Final result of my four FA Cup matches – Technology 4 @FACupFactile 0

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Postscript: My replacement powerpack arrived on Thursday morning, or rather it didn’t. What arrived was a replacement plug and lead to go into the powerpack. On initial use it appeared to resolve the mouse interference problem and I cursed that I could have just replaced that part on Sunday. However, it was a false dawn and the interference problems have continued. I’m now ordering another replacement powerpack unit!

As for my problems with Internet access I’m finally going to have to bite the bullet and join the 21st century by getting a 4G smart phone, although my experiences with anything to do with ‘smart’ this weekend has left me doubtful the future will be any brighter on that score.

NCEL Clubs’ FA Cup Records 1982-2017

In the 35 years since the Northern Counties East League was formed it has been represented in the FA Cup 937 times by its member clubs.

The inaugural 1982-83 season saw 26 clubs enter the famous competition, and whilst the majority of the clubs had departed the FA Cup by the middle of October that season, two were still going strong by the end of it.

The now defunct Eastwood Town reached the 3^rd Qualifying Round that season where they held Alliance Premier League (now National League) side Telford United to a 2-2 draw at Coronation Park before bowing out of the competition 4-0 in the replay.

However, another now defunct side, Shepshed Charterhouse, also made the 3^rd Qualifying Round in the NCEL’s debut season, and they won their tie 3-0 at home against Northern Premier League side Gainsborough Trinity. Another victory at the Shepshed Stadium in the 4^th Qualifying Round, 2-1 against another NPL side King’s Lynn, saw Charterhouse become the first NCEL club to make the 1^st Round ‘Proper’ of the FA Cup.

The reward for winning through five rounds was a trip to Deepdale to take on Preston North End, twice FA Cup winners, but at the time competing in the third tier of the Football League. However, despite a goal from Jenas, the Leicestershire based non-league side were overcome 5-1 on the day thanks to a Steve Elliott brace and goals from Andy McAteer, Gordon Coleman and John Kelly for their hosts.

The following year saw two fewer NCEL clubs compete in the FA Cup and it was Eastwood Town this time that came closest to making the 1^st Round ‘Proper’ losing 2-1 to Isthmian League Premier Division side Wycombe Wanderers at Loakes Park after they’d held them to a 2-2 draw at home.

Alfreton Town were the best performing NCEL club in the FA Cup over the next couple of seasons making the 3^rd Qualifying Round in both years, losing 3-2 after extra time at home to North West Counties league Division One side Burscough (after a 2-2 draw) in 1984-85 season, and losing 1-0 at home to West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division club Gresley Rovers the following season.

The Reds weren’t the only NCEL representatives in the 3^rd Qualifying Round those two seasons, being joined by Denaby United in 84/85 (lost 1-0 at home to NPL side Marine), and by Bridlington Trinity in 85/86 (lost 3-2 at Northern League Division One side Bishop Auckland).

Changes by the FA in terms of qualifying criteria for the FA Cup came into play from the 1986/87 season and this seriously depleted the number of NCEL clubs who would be able to compete in it. Just 19 were involved with three making it as far as the 3^rd Qualifying Round (Armthorpe Welfare, Eastwood Town (again) and Emley).

The number of NCEL entrants in the FA Cup were diminished still further for the 1987/88 season, down to just 13 clubs, but Brigg Town came ever so close to making the 1^st Round ‘Proper’ losing 4-1 at Sincil Bank to Lincoln City who had become the first Football League club to suffer automatic relegation to the Football Conference and would return to League football at the end of the season.

1988/89 season saw an all-time low number of NCEL clubs compete in the FA Cup, just a dozen, with the original Bridlington Town and Emley both making the 3^rd Qualifying Round to be named joint best NCEL clubs in the Cup that year. The following season saw a return to 13 clubs and new NCEL members North shields reached the 4^th Qualifying Round just missing out on ‘Proper’ Round action by losing 2-1 at Northern League Division One opponents Billingham Synthonia.

The number of NCEL entries in the FA Cup was beginning to rise again, as was the standard of the clubs’ performances. For the first time in 1990/91 there were two NCEL clubs one round away from potentially facing a Football League club. New League members Harrogate Railway Athletic were stopped in their tracks when going down 3-1 at Northern Premier League Premier Division side Chorley (greater things were to come for The Rail whilst members of the NCEL).

Fellow new League members Spennymoor United had also won through to the 4^th Qualifying Round where they were drawn to visit Drill Field, home of Football Conference side Northwich Victoria. A tight 1-1 draw took the sides to the Brewery Field where the Moors won another tight encounter 2-1 after extra time to become only the second NCEL club to make the 1^st Round ‘Proper’ of the FA Cup.

The Moors made a better fist of their opportunity than Shepshed had done eight years earlier, albeit against Fourth tier opposition, going down by the odd goal in five at Chesterfield with goals from Peattie and Boagey.

Whilst the number of NCEL FA Cup entrants increased back to and beyond the levels in the first four seasons of the League’s history, the success of member clubs in the FA Cup diminished culminating in an all-time low when only one of 29 clubs who entered in the 1995/96 season even made it as far as the 2^nd Qualifying Round. (There was no Extra Preliminary Round that season). The last NCEL team standing that year was Denaby United and they lost 2-1 at home to NPL Premier Division side Hyde United.

Following that nadir came a period of strong growth in performances in FA Cup by NCEL clubs culminating in the best ever season just seven years after this low point. The FA changed the rules of entry again at the turn of the 21^st Century, opening up the door to lower level clubs that had not been the case for nearly 50 years, and the NCEL saw an associated rise, too.

North Ferriby United in 1997/98 (losing 2-0 to Football Conference side Southport at Haig Avenue) and the World’s oldest club, Sheffield, in 2000/01 (losing 5-1 to another Conference side Northwich Victoria in a match played at Bramall Lane) both returned NCEL to the 4^th Qualifying Round, but the next couple of years would see the NCEL heyday in the competition.

The 2001/02 season saw two NCEL clubs make the 4^th Qualifying Round for only the second time in the League’s history. As with the previous occasion Harrogate Railway Athletic were the club who failed to progress, going down 3-2 to Conference side Morecambe at Station View. However, Brigg Town put their 87/88 disappointment behind them by winning 1-0 at Conference side Boston United who would go on to win that League that season. Simon Roach scored the goal that took Brigg into the 1^st Round ‘Proper’ for the first and only time, the win being the sixth the club had in the FA Cup that year.

The Zebras’ reward was a trip to Prenton Park to face third tier Tranmere Rovers who had made the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup in each of the previous two seasons. In the end it was a comfortable 4-1 for Tranmere, but James Leech scored a ‘worldy’ to add to the memories of a terrific Cup run.

It was to be third time lucky for Harrogate Railway Athletic the following year as records for NCEL clubs in the FA Cup tumbled. The 2002/03 season saw three NCEL clubs in the 4^th Qualifying Round for the first, and so far, only time. Arnold Town (2-0 losers at home to Conference side Scarborough) and the current Bridlington Town (4-1 losers to fellow Conference side Southport) were the two unlucky clubs not to make it through.

The Rail faced NPL Premier Division opposition Marine and triumphed 4-2 to join local rivals, and former NCEL members, Harrogate Town in the 1^st Round ‘Proper’, both clubs making it there for the first time ever. Unfortunately for The Rail they were drawn to face League opposition. Fortunately for The Rail it was an eminently winnable match having to travel to Slough Town from Isthmian League Division One North. And so it proved to be.

The Rail ran out 2-1 winners that day at Wexham Park thanks to goals from Smith and Steve Davey, to become the first and so far only NCEL club to make the 2^nd Round of the FA Cup. And they were given the best tie possible, hosting third tier Bristol City, at the time the highest ranked team of the 2^nd Round. Steve Davey scored again, but it was a step too far and City won the match 3-1.

The Rail would go on to make the 2^nd Round again five years later, but by then they were members of the Northern Premier League. NCEL clubs are yet to experience ‘Proper’ Round football again since those exploits. They’ve come close a couple of times but only in the years immediately following The Rail’s terrific run.

The 2003/04 season would see a record number of NCEL clubs partake in the FA Cup (36) and for the fourth time at least two clubs made the 4^th Qualifying Round. Buxton went down 6-0 at Conference side Burton Albion whilst Ossett Albion lost 0-1 at home NPL Premier club Stalybridge Celtic.

The following season saw the appearance of an NCEL club in the 4^th Qualifying Round for the last time so far. Liversedge were drawn at home to Midland Football Alliance side Coalville Town and may have felt confident of progressing, but the clubs produced a stalemate at The Clayborn Ground and Coalville went on to win the replay 2-0.

The past 12 years have seen just seven NCEL clubs reach the 3^rd Qualifying Round and on several occasions the League’s members have equalled the lowest performing year with just one representative in the 2^nd Qualifying Round, but the beauty of the FA Cup is that history is no predictor of the future and NCEL clubs could once again soon be gracing the ‘Proper’ Rounds of the competition again.

And who knows, there may very well be a first ever Football League scalp on the horizon, too.

The Longest Waits

If you know your football you’ll know that the World’s oldest football club is Sheffield FC who were formed in 1857. Just 16 years later The Club were competing in the FA Cup for the very first time.

Most clubs have tended to make their bow in the FA Cup within the first few decades following their formation (some like Bradford City and Chelsea competed in it in their very first year of existence), but many clubs, all obviously younger than Sheffield FC, have had to wait much longer.

Two of the 23 clubs making their debut in this year’s 2017-18 FA Cup, Framlingham Town and Chipping Sodbury Town, have both had to wait 130 years or more to compete in this famous competition. Their extraordinary length of wait puts both clubs into the Top Six sides who’ve waited the longest to taste FA Cup football.

So here is that list of half dozen clubs who collectively between them have had to wait almost eight centuries since their formation to compete in the FA Cup.

Gillingham Town – 129 Years (1879 to 2008)

For the first 80 years of their existence The Gills interspersed the occasional seasons in the Dorset League with competing in even more local level football. However, in 1970, they joined the Dorset Combination, the most senior league in the County.

The Dorset Combination was renamed the Dorset Premier League in 2002 and six seasons later the club finished runners-up for the second time which this time qualified them for promotion to the Western League and entry into the FA Cup.

So on the 16^th August 2008 the club hosted Saltash United in their first ever FA Cup match, 129 years after the club was formed. That match was drawn 2-2 before The Gills went on to win 4-2 in the replay. The following season saw the club reach the 2^nd Qualifying Round, a feat they repeated three seasons later, and they have competed in the FA Cup in each of the last nine seasons.

Alas, the Gills are not in this year’s competition as they took voluntary relegation down to the Dorset Premier League. Hopefully it won’t be the year 2146 before they compete in it again.

Framlingham Town – 130 Years (1887 to 2017)

The Castlemen are entering the FA for the first time this season, 130 years after forming.

For the first 128 years of the club’s existence they have competed in local leagues variously between the Suffolk and Ipswich League (originally known as the Ipswich and District League), the Framlingham League, the Leiston league and the Woodbridge League.

In 2016 the club won promotion to the Eastern Counties League after over 35 years of continuous membership of the Suffolk and Ipswich League, and just one season later they did enough in their debut campaign to qualify for the FA Cup.

So on the 5^th August 2017 the club will face another FA Cup debutant in the shape of Wadham Lodge who have had a much shorter period to wait before taking part being, as they were, formed 121 years after Framlingham Town.

Chipping Sodbury Town – 132 Years (1885 to 2017)

The Sods are entering the FA Cup for the first time this season, too, 132 years after forming as Chipping Sodbury.

For almost 70 years the club played in local Wiltshire based leagues before spending a couple of seasons in the Second Division of the Western League in the early 1950s just a couple of years before folding and re-forming.

The re-formed club competed in the Dursley and Wotton-under-Edge League for a few seasons before joining the Bristol and District League in time for the 1962/63 season. The Sods eventually progressed to the Bristol Premier Combination at the start of the 1990s where they were still competing when adding ‘Town’ to their name.

The 2008/09 season saw the club advance to the Gloucestershire County league and in 2015 they returned to the Western League after a 63 year absence. Promotion to the Premier Division at their first attempt gave the club the League status it needed to qualify for the FA Cup for the first time.

The Sods host another FA Cup debutant on 5^th August in the shape of Brackley Town Saints, but they haven’t had to wait anywhere near as long as 132 years to take part in it.

Colliers Wood United – 132 Years (1874 to 2006)

Formed as Vandyke in 1874, this Wimbledon based club first entered the FA Cup in 2006, at the time establishing a record 132 year wait to compete in it.

For the first 80 years or so Vandyke competed in local Sutton and Wimbledon based leagues, before advancing to Surrey wide competition from the early 1960s. The club were members of the Surrey County Premier League when changing their name to Vandyke Colliers United in 1997, and then two years later to their current moniker. In 2003 Colliers Wood United finished runners-up in the Surrey County Senior League to earn the club promotion to the Combined Counties League Division One.

A season later the club was in the Premier Division where they have stayed ever since, and two seasons after that they made their bow in the FA Cup when, 132 years after forming, on 2^nd September 2006 they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chipstead. The Wood won the replay 2-1 before going out in the 1st Qualifying Round.

The club would not go any further in the competition, not until last season, when they finally made it through to the 2^nd Qualifying Round in what was their 11^th campaign.

Radcliffe Olympic – 134 Years (1876 to 2010)

Radcliffe Olympic was formed in 1876 as Radcliffe-on-Trent and became founder members of the original Nottingham and District League 14 years later. Before the end of the 19^th Century the club became members of the Notts Alliance League, a League they won in 1901, then competed in the Nottinghamshire Spartan League, before joining the Nottinghamshire Realm League prior to World War II.

Adopting the current name Radcliffe Olympic after the cessation of hostilities, the club remained in the Notts Realm League before returning to the Notts Spartan League and then joining the Midland Amateur Alliance League in the mid-1960s. The club quickly climbed the non-league ladder to compete in the Central Alliance League and then the East Midlands Regional League before returning to local Nottinghamshire football at the start of the 1980s.

Olympic remained in local football until promotion to the Central Midland League was attained in 2004 where they would remain for the next five seasons. However, by the time Olympic were members of this League, its member clubs were not eligible for the FA Cup. However, being Supreme League Champions in 2009 meant Olympic were promoted to East Midlands Counties League for the 2009/10 season.

A creditable top five finish in the club’s inaugural season meant Olympic qualified for the FA Cup in the next season. So after 134 years the club got to play in the FA Cup where they faced Holbeach United on 14^th August 2010. Olympic took to the FA Cup like a duck to water winning through four rounds before eventually being defeated by Tipton Town after a replay in the 3^rd Qualifying Round.

Radcliffe Olympic has so far only competed once more in the FA Cup, a much less successful campaign the following season, as the club has failed to finish high enough in the Step Six East Midlands Counties League to qualify. But there is no reason to believe it should take them another 134 years before the club does so again.

Brading Town – 137 Years (1871 to 2008)

This Isle of Wight based club was formed in 1871, coincidentally in the same year that the FA Cup began, but The Romans did not participate in this famous competition until the 2008-09 season, some 137 years later, whilst members of the Wessex League Premier division.

The club began life competing in the Ryde and District League before becoming founder members of the Isle of Wight League in 1898. The club continued to play its football on the Isle of Wight for the next 75 years before moving to the Hampshire League in 1973.

Despite four successive promotions taking Brading Town to the 1^st Division of the Hampshire League in 1977, a division that for the next 10 years would see some club members enter the FA Cup, the Romans never did get to take part in the Cup.

When the Wessex League was formed after the end of the 1985-86 season, Brading Town remained in the Hampshire League but their members were now no longer eligible to compete in the FA Cup. The Romans remained in the Hampshire League for the next 29 years, culminating in finishing bottom of Premier Division in that League’s final season in 2004.

Brading Town joined the Wessex League the following season and gained promotion to the Premier League for the 2006/07 season. However, it would be two more seasons before the club was eligible to compete in the FA Cup. The Romans finally made their bow in the competition on 16^th August 2008 and defeated Wantage Town 3-1 in their first ever game.

Brading Town would compete in the FA Cup in each of the next three seasons, reaching the 1^st Qualifying Round on two occasions, but at the end of the 2011-12 season the club decided to return to compete in the Isle of Wight League, citing costs of competing in the Wessex League as the reason for doing so. As a consequence their FA Cup involvement was over, for now.

Whether or not the Romans ever do return to compete on the mainland remains to be seen, but their record of being the club with the longest wait to play in the FA Cup may well remain for some time to come.

A good omen for the Castlemen and The Sods is that the four other clubs in this exclusive list all won through their first FA Cup tie. Can Framlingham Town and Chipping Sodbury Town keep up that record?

2017-18 FA Cup EP Rd Tie-by-Tie Preview

Here it is, a full tie-by-tie preview of all 185 FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round ties.

If you enjoy this blog do follow @FACupFactfile on Twitter for more, often unique, FA Cup facts and stats throughout the competition.

Please seek permission before utilising any content contained in this blog – all information © FACupFactfile

Tie-by-tie Preview (Listed in Tie No. order)

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Tie No. 1 – Penrith (NL 1) v West Auckland Town (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: West Auckland Town has not lost in the Extra Preliminary Round for six seasons. Penrith has gone out at this stage of the FA Cup three times during the same period.

Tie No. 2 – Billingham Town (NL 2) v Pickering Town (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Billingham Town lost their last two Extra Preliminary Round ties whilst Pickering Town won their last two. Billingham Town return after two seasons away.

Tie No. 3 – Barnoldswick Town (NWCL Premier) v Jarrow Roofing Boldon Community Association (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: extra preliminary v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Barnoldswick Town is entering the FA Cup for the seventh time. The club has gone out in the Extra Preliminary Round every time so far. Jarrow Roofing has the longest name of all clubs in this year’s competition and equalled best Cup run just four seasons ago.

Tie No. 4 – Sunderland Ryhope Community Association (NL 1) v Garforth Town (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Neither side has won in the FA Cup for a while. For Garforth Town it is two seasons, but for Sunderland Ryhope CA it is five seasons. In fact Sunderland Ryhope has only won one of their 14 FA Cup ties to date, bizarrely a 7-0 thrashing of Birtley Town in 2011/12.

Tie No. 5 – Shildon (NL 1) v Morpeth Town (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Both these clubs had good FA Cup runs last season winning seven ties between them.

Tie No. 6 – Consett (NL 1) v Bishop Auckland (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 4

History: Six previous meetings (the most of the round) with three wins apiece. Four of the ties have been decided in a replay.

Facts: Neither side has been knocked out in Extra Preliminary Round for a few years, Consett last in 2013/14, and Bishop Auckland last in 2011/12. Last season they won eight FA Cup ties between them.

Tie No. 7 – Washington (NL 1) v Dunston UTS (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Neither side has been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round for a few years. It last happened to Washington in 2012/13, and to Dunston UTS last in 2009/10.

Tie No. 8 – Bridlington Town (NCEL Premier) v Billingham Synthonia (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings, although Billingham Synthonia has four encounters with the original Bridlington Town club, winning two apiece.

Facts: Both clubs have competed in the FA Cup every season since the turn of the 21st Century, but only once (Bridlington Town 2002/03) has either side gone beyond the 2^nd Qualifying Round.

Tie No. 9 – Newton Aycliffe (NL 1) v Chester-le-Street Town (NL 2)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: The lower league side has the better ‘Best Run’ and has not been knocked out of Extra Preliminary Round since 2012/13, although they didn’t compete in the Cup for four of the last five seasons. The Newts have lost four of their six Extra Preliminary Round matches to date.

Tie No. 10 – Seaham Red Star (NL 1) v Whitley Bay (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 3

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Seaham Red Star has gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round seven times in their last eight campaigns over 10 years. It’s just three EP exits out of the last four for Whitley Bay.

Tie No. 11 – Thackley (NCEL Premier) v Harrogate Railway Athletic (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 2

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2010/11 won 5-0 by Thackley, the Dennyboys’ biggest ever FA Cup win.

Facts: Harrogate Railway Athletic have never gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round and have 30 Cup campaigns under their belt. Thackley is the only NCEL club to have competed in the FA Cup as members of that League in each of the 35 years the League has been in existence.

Tie No. 12 – Guisborough Town (NL 1) v Stockton Town (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Stockton Town are making their FA Cup debut.

Facts: Stockton Town will become the fifth club to face Guisborough Town in their first ever FA Cup match. Guisborough have a chequered record having won two and lost two of their previous four games against FA Cup debutants.

Tie No. 13 – Ashington (NL 1) v Sunderland Ryhope Colliery Welfare (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 3 v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings, but Ashington did beat Ryhope Colliery Welfare 1-0 in 1969/70 season. Ryhope Colliery Welfare merged with Sporting Club Vaux in 1988 to form Vaux Ryhope who became Sunderland Ryhope Colliery Welfare in 2015.

Facts: Former Football League club Ashington are in their 101^st FA Cup campaign having first competed in the competition in 1888-89 season. Sunderland Ryhope CW are in only their third campaign having gone out in the Extra Preliminary Round on both of the previous two occasions.

Tie No. 14 – Newcastle Benfield (NL 1) v West Allotment Celtic (NL 2)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 4th qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Newcastle Benfield were last knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round back in the 2013/14 season, whilst West Allotment Celtic has gone out at this stage in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 15 – Albion Sports (NCEL Premier) v Nelson (NWCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v Round 2

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Albion Sports have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of the last two seasons. Nelson is one of three former Football League clubs in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round and last season’s EP Round win is their only victory in the competition in their last eight campaigns over 13 years.

Tie No. 16 – Team Northumbria (NL 1) v Heaton Stannington (NL 2)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings

Facts: Both clubs have had gaps before re-entering the FA Cup in recent years. Team Northumbria have competed just twice in the last six seasons whilst Heaton Stannington went almost 40 years without FA Cup football before returning for the 2015/16 season.

Tie No. 17 – Marske United (NL 1) v North Shields (NL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 2

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both sides have avoided Extra Preliminary Round exits over the past few years. North Shields have gone out in the Preliminary Round in each of the last three seasons whilst Marske United are hoping for an eighth successive season of avoiding defeat at this stage of the competition.

Tie No. 18 – Litherland REMYCA (NWCL 1) v AFC Liverpool (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Litherland REMYCA are making their FA Cup debut.

Facts: A tasty local derby for REMYCA in their debut FA Cup match hosting a club less than four miles away. AFC Liverpool have lost 4 of their 7 Extra Preliminary Rounds so far, and lost heavily 4-1 to Hemsworth Miners Welfare the last time they faced a club making their FA Cup debut.

Tie No. 19 – AFC Emley (NCEL 1) v Burscough (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v Round 2

History: One previous FA Cup meeting two seasons ago won 3-1 by Burscough.

Facts: AFC Emley have made the Preliminary Round in each of the last four seasons and six times in their 10 previous campaigns. Burscough have never been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round throughout 70 FA Cup campaigns, although this is their first appearance at this stage of the competition for 20 years.

Note: This tie will take place on Sunday 6th August.

Tie No. 20 – Squires Gate (NWCL Premier) v Ashton Athletic (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 13 years since Squires Gate last registered their best ever FA Cup run whilst Ashton Athletic reached that level for the first time last season.

Tie No. 21 – Cammell Laird 1907 (NWCL 1) v Maltby Main (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is over 10 years since either side registered their best ever FA Cup performance, Cammell Laird in 2005/06 and Maltby Main one year earlier in 2004/05.

Tie No. 22 – Padiham (NWCL Premier) v City of Liverpool (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as City of Liverpool are making their FA Cup debut.

Facts: It is six years since Padiham last went out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round and they have twice posted their best ever run during that time. However, this is the first time that the club will face another making their FA Cup debut.

Tie No. 23 – Pontefract Collieries (NCEL Premier) v Alsager Town (NWCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: After seven successive Extra Preliminary Round knockouts Alsager Town have won through in the last two seasons. Similarly, Pontefract Collieries had seven EP Round knock outs in eight seasons prior to the last two years where they have also won through.

Tie No. 24 – Hallam (NCEL 1) v Bootle (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: The joint equal shortest combined names in this year’s Extra Preliminary Round (just 12 letters in total). Hallam has not won an FA Cup tie since 2009/10 losing on their last four appearances. Bootle has only twice gone out at this stage of the competition in the last 10 years.

Note: Game now on Sunday 6^th August

Tie No. 25 – Runcorn Town (NWCL Premier) v AFC Darwen (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: AFC Darwen are yet to taste victory in the FA Cup having fallen at this hurdle in both their previous two campaigns. Runcorn Town have just one EP Round exit in six campaigns, although it was last season.

Tie No. 26 – Northwich Victoria (NWCL Premier) v 1874 Northwich (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: QUARTER FINAL v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Arguably the tie of the round, as the breakaway fan club travel to the club from which they broke. Neither club has ever been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Rounds, but of course their histories couldn’t be more different. 1874 Northwich have had just three FA Cup campaigns reaching the Preliminary Round each time whilst Northwich Victoria are making their 109^th appearance in the FA Cup and this is only the club’s second ever appearance in the Extra Preliminary Round, the first coming back in the 1948/49 season.

Tie No. 27 – Widnes (NWCL Premier) v Handsworth Parramore (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Widnes are making their debut in the competition.

Facts: This will be the first time Handsworth Parramore have faced a club in their debut FA Cup game, but they have never lost an Extra Preliminary Round tie in their short three year FA Cup career, and set a personal best Cup run last season.

Note: Game now on Sunday 6^th August

Tie No. 28 – Congleton Town (NWCL Premier) v New Mills (NWCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 1 v 2^nd qualifying

History: The two clubs met in the FA Cup only last season with Congleton Town the convincing 3-0 winners.

Facts: In their 79 campaigns Congleton Town have only been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round once, way back in the 1930/31 season. It’s happened to New Mills twice in just 12 campaigns.

Tie No. 29 – Irlam (NWCL Premier) v Abbey Hey (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Irlam has just one FA Cup victory under its belt during the club’s four campaigns to date. Abbey Hey have either been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round or the 2^nd Qualifying Round in their last nine campaigns. Which is it to be this year?

Tie No. 30 – Armthorpe Welfare (NCEL 1) v Liversedge (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Despite having almost made the 1^st Round ‘Proper’ in 2004/05 season, Liversedge have gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in eight of their last nine campaigns, including in each of the last five seasons. Armthorpe Welfare have managed seven wins during the same period.

Tie No. 31 – Parkgate (NCEL Premier) v Barnton (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Parkgate have had their best two FA Cup runs so far in their first two campaigns and stopped a run of four successive Extra Preliminary Round knock outs last season. Barnton only returned to the FA Cup last year after a 67 year absence and haven’t won in the competition since 1948.

Tie No. 32 – Athersley Recreation (NCEL Premier) v West Didsbury and Chorlton (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Whoever wins this tie will at least equal their best ever FA Cup run. Athersley Recreation has won only once in their three campaigns, whilst West Didsbury has only failed to progress beyond the Extra Preliminary Round once in their four campaigns.

Tie No. 33 – Charnock Richard (NWCL Premier) v Penistone Church (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Charnock Richard are making their debut in the competition.

Facts: Whoever wins this tie will taste victory in the FA Cup for the first time as Penistone Church have lost both their two previous FA Cup ties. This is the first time they will have met a club making their FA Cup debut, too.

Tie No. 34 – Maine Road (NWCL Premier) v Winsford United (NWCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 2

History: One previous FA Cup meeting six years ago won 1-0 by Maine Road after a replay.

Facts: Maine Road are trending to reach the 2^nd Qualifying Round this season having been knocked out in the EP, the PR and Q1 successively in the last three seasons. Winsford United’s best FA Cup run came the season before the Football League began when still known as Over Wanderers, but the club has made the 1^st Round ‘Proper’ twice in the last 25 years, although more commonly they exit at this stage of the competition.

Tie No. 35 – Runcorn Linnets (NWCL Premier) v Hemsworth Miners Welfare (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v preliminary

History: Two previous FA Cup meetings both won by Hemsworth Miners Welfare including a 2-1 victory at this stage last season.

Facts: That defeat for Runcorn Linnets last year was only the second time in nine campaigns that the club had gone out in the Extra Preliminary Round, they just happened to be the two times they were drawn against Hemsworth Miners Welfare!

Tie No. 36 – Hanley Town (NWCL Premier) v Atherstone Town (MFL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Hanley Town have just one victory and two defeats in the three FA Cup matches they have played so far across two campaigns. The Adders are returning to the FA Cup after a couple of seasons away and have twice registered their best run in the nine seasons they have competed in it.

Tie No. 37 – Coventry United (MFL Premier) v Rugby Town (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v Round 2

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Coventry United have only one FA Cup campaign under their belt and are one of those rare clubs who have actually won more FA Cup ties than they have lost (technically, one was awarded). Rugby Town has never been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round, but that is because they have never competed at this stage of the competition before.

Tie No. 38 – Sporting Khalsa (MFL Premier) v Stourport Swifts (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Sporting Khalsa are yet to lose an Extra Preliminary Round tie (in four campaigns) whilst Stourport Swifts only lost their first one last season (in their 25^th campaign).

Tie No. 39 – AFC Wulfrunians (MFL Premier) v Shawbury United (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both clubs went out in the Extra Preliminary Round last season. AFC Wulfrunians in the conventional manner, but Shawbury United were disqualified following a floodlight failure incident in their replay with Coventry United.

Tie No. 40 – Wolverhampton Sporting Community (WMRL Premier) v Haughmond (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: extra preliminary v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both sides entered the FA Cup for the first time last season and both sides fell at the first hurdle meaning one of them at least will taste FA Cup victory for the first time.

Tie No. 41 – Tividale (WMRL Premier) v Highgate United (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It has been a few seasons since either side exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round. For Tividale it is six seasons and for Highgate United it is five years, although they only returned to the FA Cup after a three year absence last season.

Tie No. 42 – Walsall Wood (MFL 1) v Whitchurch Alport (NWCL 1)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Whitchurch Alport are making their FA Cup debut.

Facts: Walsall Wood have gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons. The Wood have also faced two FA Cup debutants before, losing both times after a replay. This tie guarantees a Step 6 club in the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 43 – Coventry Sphinx (MFL Premier) v Boldmere St Michaels (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Coventry Sphinx exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round last seasons for the first time in eight years. Boldmere St Michaels have suffered that fate five times during the same period.

Tie No. 44 – Daventry Town (UCL Premier) v Worcester City (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 4

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Daventry Town suffered their first Extra Preliminary Round exit in 12 years (eight campaigns) last season. Worcester City are appearing in the round for the first time in 80 years and it’s a further three years before then since they last lost at this stage of the competition.

Tie No. 45 – Wolverhampton Casuals (WMRL Premier) v Malvern Town (WMRL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Wolverhampton Casuals have gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of the last three seasons, three out of a record 22 occasions that the club has suffered that fate. Malvern Town have departed at this stage in each of their last four campaigns over six season. This tie guarantees a Step 6 club in the Preliminary Round, history suggests it’ll be Malvern Town.

Tie No. 46 – Westfields (MFL Premier) v Bewdley Town (WMRL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 1 v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Westfields were the last Step 5 club standing last season as they won through six ties to make it all the way to the 1^st Round ‘Proper’. Bewdley Town are returning to the FA Cup after two years away, and haven’t won a Cup tie since 2012/13 season.

Tie No. 47 – Coleshill Town (MFL Premier) v Wellington (WMRL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v preliminary

History: One previous FA Cup meeting ten years ago won 3-2 by Wellington after a replay.

Facts: It is four seasons since Coleshill Town last went out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round and the club have equalled their best run in the competition since then. Wellington are returning to the Cup after a couple of seasons away, but have made the Preliminary Round in each of their last two campaigns.

Tie No. 48 – Bromsgrove Sporting (MFL Premier) v Rocester (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Bromsgrove Sporting have never failed to make the Preliminary Round in each of their three FA Cup campaigns so far. Rocester won their last two Extra Preliminary Round ties, too.

Tie No. 49 – Brocton (MFL 1) v Cadbury Athletic (MFL 1)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Brocton have had five Extra Preliminary Round exits in their nine FA Cup campaigns. Cadbury Athletic are returning to the FA Cup after a season away, but have only ever won one match in five campaigns. This tie guarantees a Step 6 club in the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 50 – Kimberley Miners Welfare (EMCL) v Blaby and Whetstone Athletic (EMCL)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: N/A v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Kimberley Miners Welfare are making their FA Cup debut.

Facts: Blaby and Whetstone Athletic have experienced defeat just once at this stage of the competition in their five previous campaigns. This will be the first time the club will face opponents making their FA Cup debut. This tie guarantees a Step 6 club in the Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 51 – Oadby Town (UCL Premier) v St Andrews (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Oadby Town have exited the competition at this stage three times in the last four seasons. However, St Andrews have only ever won one FA Cup match, their first ever game, and have lost all six subsequent ties over the last eight years.

Tie No. 52 – Birstall United (EMCL) v South Normanton Athletic (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Birstall United are making their FA Cup debut.

Facts: It couldn’t be a more onerous debut for Birstall United as they face South Normanton Athletic in their first ever FA Cup match, a club that is from a higher level in the pyramid, a club that has never been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in 23 campaigns, and a club that has beaten opponents making their FA Cup debut in each of the last two seasons.

Tie No. 53 – Bottesford Town (NCEL Premier) v Long Eaton United (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both clubs have won their last two Extra Preliminary Round ties.

Tie No. 54 – Leicester Road (MFL 1) v Sleaford Town (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: With just one FA Cup campaign under their belt so far, Leicester Road are one of those rare clubs that have actually won more FA Cup ties than they have lost. They won as many games in their one campaign as Sleaford Town have down in their last four.

Tie No. 55 – Dunkirk (EMCL) v Leicester Nirvana (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting just last season when the lower level Dunkirk won 2-1 at Leicester Nirvana.

Facts: Dunkirk have made it through the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons. Leicester Nirvana had their best runs in the competition in their first two campaigns when still known as Thurnby Nirvana.

Tie No. 56 – Kirby Muxloe (UCL Premier) v Barton Town (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 6-3 by Barton Town (as Barton Town Old Boys) in the 2009/10 season, the heaviest ever defeat in the Cup for Kirby Muxloe.

Facts: Kirby Muxloe set their best FA Cup run last season and have only once gone out of the competition in the Extra Preliminary Round in eight campaigns. Barton Town are competing in the Cup under their new name for the first time.

Tie No. 57 – AFC Mansfield (NCEL Premier) v Hall Road Rangers (NCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: AFC Mansfield had their best run in the FA Cup last season and have actually won twice as many FA Cup ties than they have lost during their two years competing in it. Hall Road Rangers are competing in the FA Cup for the first time in four seasons, and their only Cup win since 2007/08 season was wiped out after they were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.

Tie No. 58 – Staveley Miners Welfare (NCEL Premier) v Loughborough University (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Staveley Miners Welfare have gone out in the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons, whilst it is seven years since Loughborough University suffered the same fate.

Tie No. 59 – Retford United (NCEL 1) v Quorn (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both sides have gone out of the competition in the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 60 – Clipstone (NCEL Premier) v West Bridgford (EMCL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as West Bridgford are making their FA Cup debut.

Facts: Clipstone have won four and lost just three of their seven FA Cup ties so far, and they also won on the only other occasion they have face opponents making their FA Cup debut.

Tie No. 61 – Heanor Town (MFL Premier) v Aylestone Park (EMCL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 1 v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Whilst Heanor Town have appeared in the FA Cup 1^st Round ‘Proper’ six times, Aylestone Park have had just one FA Cup match to date, which they lost last season and will be hoping to score their first FA Cup goal this year.

Note: This match is to be played on Friday 4^th August.

Tie No. 62 – Worksop Town (NCEL Premier) v Hinckley AFC (MFL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 3 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Worksop Town are appearing in the FA Cup for the 110^th time, but won their first Cup game in three seasons last year. Hinckley AFC are appearing for only the third time, but have actually won more FA Cup matches than they have lost (three to two).

Tie No. 63 – Boston Town (UCL Premier) v Radford (EMCL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 1 v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Boston Town have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons. Radford have won just one FA Cup match in three campaigns over eight years.

Tie No. 64 – Rainworth Miners Welfare (NCEL Premier) v Shepshed Dynamo (MFL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Rainworth Miners Welfare have gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons. Shepshed lost in this round last season for only the second time in 22 campaigns.

Tie No. 65 – Harrowby United (UCL 1) v Grimsby Borough (NCEL 1)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: preliminary v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Harrowby United won their only FA Cup match so far last season in their third campaign. Grimsby Borough return to the FA Cup after a six season hiatus but have just played one, lost one so far in their FA Cup history.

Tie No. 66 – Biggleswade (SSML Premier) v Wisbech Town (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v Round 2

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Biggleswade are entering the competition for the first time to become the third club from their town to be in the FA Cup this season.

Facts: Wisbech Town have not lost at this stage of the competition for four seasons. The club seems to have a habit of facing opponents making their FA Cup bow having done so seven times before. They have won three, lost four of those encounters.

Tie No. 67 – Swaffham Town (ECL 1) v Rothwell Corinthians (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Whoever wins this tie will at least equal their best ever FA Cup run. Neither side has a good recent record of winning FA Cup matches, though. Swaffham Town won their first ever game in the competition but have failed to do so since over four campaigns. Rothwell Corinthians haven’t won an FA Cup tie since 2011/12 having competed three times since then.

Tie No. 68 – Raunds Town (UCL 1) v Yaxley (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2001/02 won 2-1 by Yaxley.

Facts: Raunds Town are returning to the FA Cup after a season away in what will be only their second campaign in six seasons. Yaxley equalled the second highest margin of victory in the FA Cup in the 21^st Century when they won 12-0 at this stage last year and have progressed to the next round in both of the last two seasons.

Tie No. 69 – Peterborough Northern Star (UCL Premier) v Deeping Rangers (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Peterborough Northern Star have gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons, whilst Deeping Rangers have won through both times.

Tie No. 70 – Cogenhoe United (UCL Premier) v Godmanchester Rovers (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Cogenhoe United have progressed beyond this stage of the competition in each of the last three seasons. However, Godmanchester Rovers have done so for each of the last six seasons being knocked out in the Preliminary Round each time.

Tie No. 71 – Ely City (ECL Premier) v Holbeach United (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v Round 1

History: Three previous FA Cup meetings with Holbeach United up two wins to one, winning the last encounter 4-0 after a replay just two seasons ago.

Facts: Holbeach United haven’t gone out at this stage of the FA Cup since the 2010/11 season, whilst Ely City have suffered Extra Preliminary Round knock outs in each of the last four seasons.

Tie No. 72 – Huntingdon United (UCL 1) v Newport Pagnell Town (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Huntingdon Town are on a run of three successive Extra Preliminary Round knock outs including, ignominiously, a second worst equalling 21^st Century 12-0 defeat last season. Newport Pagnell Town have had just one FA Cup win during the same period.

Tie No. 73 – Eynesbury Rovers (UCL Premier) v Thetford Town (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Eynesbury Rovers won their first FA Cup games last season for the first time in 16 years, although it was only their third campaign in that time. Thetford Town have been knocked out at the Extra Preliminary Round stage four times in their last seven campaigns.

Tie No. 74 – Northampton Sileby Rangers (UCL Premier) v Harborough Town (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: In their three FA Cup campaigns to date Northampton Sileby Rangers have never failed to progress beyond the Extra Preliminary Round. Harborough Town have gone out at this stage just once in their four campaigns.

Tie No. 75 – Wellingborough Whitworth (UCL Premier) v Desborough Town (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: extra preliminary v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Wellingborough Whitworth return to the FA Cup after a season away, but have only competed twice in the past, losing both times in the Extra Preliminary Round. Desborough Town are in the FA Cup for the 97^th time, always competing as a member of the top division of the United Counties League.

Tie No. 76 – Fakenham Town (ECL Premier) v Wellingborough Town (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Fakenham Town have won just one FA Cup match in their last five campaigns whilst Wellingborough Town have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of the last four seasons, with just one win in six campaigns.

Tie No. 77 – Histon (ECL Premier) v Northampton ON Chenecks (UCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 3 v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Histon are appearing at the stage of the competition for the first time since being knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round for the only time in the 1933/34 season. Conversely, Northampton ON Chenecks have only had one FA Cup tie to date which they lost on penalties after two 1-1 draws in the Extra Preliminary Round last season.

Tie No. 78 – Potton United (UCL 1) v Biggleswade United (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Potton United return to the FA Cup after one season away but have gone out in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last four campaigns over nine years. For the fourth consecutive season last year, Biggleswade United equalled their best ever FA Cup run.

Note: This tie will be played on Friday 4th August.

Tie No. 79 – Hoddesdon Town (SSML Premier) v Haverhill Rovers (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Over the last three seasons Hoddesdon Town have won each of their Extra Preliminary Round ties whilst Haverhill Rovers have lost each of theirs.

Tie No. 80 – Sawbridgeworth Town (ESL) v West Essex (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as West Essex are making their debut in the competition.

Facts: Sawbridgeworth Town set their best ever FA Cup run last season, and they won 4-1 the only time they faced opponents making their FA Cup debut, albeit 70 years ago.

Tie No. 81 – Enfield 1893 (ESL) v Haverhill Borough (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: E field 1893 have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of the last five seasons. Haverhill Borough are returning to the FA Cup after a season away and so far it is won two, lost two for them in FA Cup ties.

Tie No. 82 – Redbridge (ESL) v Stansted (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Redbridge were knocked out of the FA Cup at this stage of the competition for the first time ever last season in the club’s 41^st campaign. Stansted have won just one FA Cup tie over the last five seasons.

Tie No. 83 – Takeley (ESL) v Wivenhoe Town (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Takeley have won just one FA Cup tie in their seven campaigns, whilst Wivenhoe Town have achieved the same level of success in their last seven campaigns over the last nine years.

Tie No. 84 – Kirkley and Pakefield (ECL Premier) v Saffron Walden Town (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Neither side has been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round for a few years. Kirkley and Pakefield last suffered it in 2011/12 season whilst Saffron Walden Town it was a little more recently in the 2013/14 season.

Tie No. 85 – Southend Manor (ESL) v Wroxham (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Southend Manor have won just one FA Cup tie in the last four seasons whilst Wroxham have never experienced defeat at this stage of the competition in their 22 campaigns.

Tie No. 86 – Framlingham Town (ECL 1) v Wadham Lodge (ESL)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as both clubs are making their debut.

Facts: One of only two Extra Preliminary Round this year ties involving clubs who’ve never competed in the FA Cup before. Wadham Lodge have waited nine years for this to happen, Framlingham Town have waited 130 years. Only four clubs have waited longer to make their FA Cup debut.

Tie No. 87 – FC Broxbourne Borough (SSML 1) v Tower Hamlets (ESL)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: FC Broxbourne Borough have failed to progress beyond the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last three campaigns over five years. Conversely, Tower Hamlets have progressed to the Preliminary Round three times in the last four seasons.

Tie No. 88 – Barkingside (ESL) v Stowmarket Town (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Barkingside have progressed to the Preliminary Round in each of the last four seasons whereas Stowmarket Town have failed to go beyond the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last four campaigns over 10 years. This is the Stow’s first FA Cup campaign for six years.

Tie No. 89 – Ilford (ESL) v Woodbridge Town (ECL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Ilford have made it beyond the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons. Woodbridge Town have failed to do the same in each of their last six campaigns. It’s been three years since they last competed in the FA Cup.

Tie No. 90 – FC Clacton (ECL Premier) v Clapton (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 3

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Just two Extra Preliminary Round exits for FC Clacton in their 10 FA Cup campaigns so far. Clapton, on the other hand, have only won two FA Cup matches in the same period.

Tie No. 91 – Hadleigh United (ECL Premier) v Sporting Bengal United (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Hadleigh United were knocked out of the FA Cup at this stage in both of the last two seasons and in more than half of their 16 campaigns so far. Sporting Bengal United have only won three FA Cup matches during their 10 campaigns, but two came last season as they registered their best Cup run.

Tie No. 92 – FC Romania (ESL) v Waltham Forest (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: FC Romania won three games in their debut FA Cup season but have followed that up with three successive Cup defeats. Waltham Forest equalled their best Cup run last season for the fourth time.

Tie No. 93 – Hackney Wick (ESL) v Long Melford (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Hackney Wick are making their debut in the competition. Note: The FA don’t recognise Hackney Wick as a new club, seeing them as a continuation of London Bari who competed in the last two competitions, losing in the Extra Preliminary Round both times. I regard London Bari being absorbed into Hackney Wick who were formed in 2015.

Facts: Whatever Hackney Wick’s status, a win in the FA Cup this season will be the club’s first ever FA Cup win. Long Melford have progressed to the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons. Coincidentally, London Bari faced Long Melford in their debut FA Cup game. Long Melford won that one 3-0.

Tie No. 94 – Felixstowe and Walton United (ECL Premier) v Brantham Athletic (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Felixstowe and Walton United had their best FA Cup run last season. Brantham Athletic have alternated between reaching 1^st Qualifying Round and going out in the Extra Preliminary Round in the last four seasons. The trend suggests the former this year.

Tie No. 95 – Stanway Rovers (ECL Premier) v Gorleston (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v Round 1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2012/13 won 3-1 by Gorleston.

Facts: Stanway Rovers have progressed beyond the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons whereas Gorleston have been knocked out at this stage of the FA Cup in each of the last three years.

Tie No. 96 – Hullbridge Sports (ESL) v Ipswich Wanderers (ECL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Hullbridge Sports have progressed beyond the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons whilst Ipswich Wanderers have only gone out at this stage of the competition twice in 15 campaigns, although one occasion was last season.

Tie No. 97 – St Margaretsbury (SSML Premier) v Burnham Ramblers (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2003/04 won 3-1 by St Margaretsbury.

Facts: Both clubs were knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round last season, St Margaretsbury for the fourth time, Burnham Ramblers for the third, although for the second year running.

Note: This tie is to be played on Sunday 6th August.

Tie No. 98 – Great Yarmouth Town (ECL Premier) v Diss Town (ECL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 2 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Great Yarmouth Town have gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons in what were the club’s 99^th and 100^th campaigns. Diss Town return to the FA Cup after one season away, but have exited the competition at this stage in every one of their last eight campaigns.

Tie No. 99 – Newmarket Town (ECL Premier) v Great Wakering Rovers (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting in 2006/07 won 4-1 by Great Wakering Rovers.

Facts: Newmarket Town have been knocked out at this stage of the FA Cup five times in the last 10 seasons. Great Wakering Rovers have never exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in any one of their 21 campaigns, and have been knocked out in the Preliminary Round in each of the last six seasons.

Tie No. 100 – Walsham-le-Willows (ECL Premier) v Basildon United (ESL)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: The Willows have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in every one of the last five seasons. Conversely, Basildon United have never failed to progress beyond the Extra Preliminary Round in the same time period.

Tie No. 101 – Welwyn Garden City (SSML Premier) v North Greenford United (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Neither side has gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round for quite a few years. For Welwyn Garden City it is seven years, although they’ve only competed in the FA Cup three times since then. For North Greenford United it is eight years, and the club has equalled its best ever Cup run three times since they last did go out at this stage.

Tie No. 102 – Cockfosters (SSML Premier) v Risborough Rangers (SSML 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Cockfosters went out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round for only the second time last season in 10 campaigns. Risborough Rangers are returning to the FA Cup after one season away having had just won campaign where they made it beyond the Extra Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 103 – Holmer Green (SSML Premier) v AFC Hayes (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting three seasons ago won 4-0 by AFC Hayes in a replay.

Facts: Holmer Green have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round seven times in their last eight campaigns over 11 years. AFC Hayes have never gone out at this stage of the competition in any one of their 23 campaigns.

Tie No. 104 – Lydney Town (HL Premier) v Wantage Town (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Lydney Town have won just one FA Cup tie in four campaigns over eight years. Wantage Town equalled their best Cup run last season and have not exited in the Extra Preliminary Round for seven years.

Tie No. 105 – Langford (SSML 1) v Hadley (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Langford return to the FA Cup after five years away and have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last four appearances. Hadley set their best FA Cup run last season, winning more FA Cup matches in that year than they had in all their previous six campaigns.

Tie No. 106 – Highworth Town (HL Premier) v London Colney (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Highworth Town have avoided defeat in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last three campaigns. London Colney equalled their best ever run in the FA Cup last season for the eighth time.

Note: This tie is to be played on Sunday 6^th August.

Tie No. 107 – Stotfold (SSML Premier) v Berkhamsted (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 10 years since Stotfold registered their best ever run in the FA Cup. Berkhamsted have gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round twice in the last three seasons.

Tie No. 108 – Woodley United (HL Premier) v Tuffley Rovers (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Woodley United are competing in FA Cup for the first time.

Facts: Tuffley Rovers have only once gone beyond the Extra Preliminary Round in their last five campaigns over 14 years. The club has never before faced opponents who are playing their first FA Cup match.

Tie No. 109 – Southall (SSML 1) v Harpenden Town (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 3 v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Southall are returning to the FA Cup for the first time in 12 years. They have never exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in any one of their previous 93 campaigns. Harpenden Town only returned to the FA Cup last season after 11 years away, and have not gone out at this stage of the competition since 2004/05 season, although that is only three campaigns ago.

Tie No. 110 – Flackwell Heath (HL Premier) v Burnham (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v Round 1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 4-0 by Burnham in 2001/02 season. That win for Burnham is their joint highest ever win in the competition.

Facts: Flackwell Heath have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round four times in the last six seasons. Burnham lost at this stage for the first time ever last season after 21 campaigns of avoiding doing so.

Note: This tie will take place on Friday 4th August.

Tie No. 111 – Highmoor-Ibis (HL Premier) v Buckingham Town (UCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Just one Extra Preliminary Round knock-out so far for Highmoor-Ibis in four FA Cup campaigns. Buckingham town are returning to the FA Cup after an eight season hiatus having been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last three campaigns.

Tie No. 112 – Fairford Town (HL Premier) v Longlevens (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Fairford Town have lost six Extra Preliminary Round ties in their last seven campaigns over eight years. Longlevens have just one FA Cup campaign under their belt winning through the Extra Preliminary Round last season.

Tie No. 113 – Edgware Town (SSML Premier) v Leverstock Green (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Edgware Town have never been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in any one of their 54 previous campaigns. Leverstock Green have lost at this stage nine times in their 13 FA Cup campaigns.

Tie No. 114 – Chipping Sodbury Town (TWL Premier) v Brackley Town Saints (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as both clubs are making their inaugural FA Cup campaigns this year.

Facts: Brackley Town Saints have waited just three years to take part in the FA Cup, Chipping Sodbury Town have waited 132 years. Just Brading Town (137 years) and Radcliffe Olympic (134 years) have had to wait longer after forming to compete in the FA Cup.

Tie No. 115 – Leighton Town (SSML Premier) v Oxhey Jets (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Leighton Town were knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round last season for the first time ever in their 55^th FA Cup campaign. Oxhey Jets ending a run of three successive Extra Preliminary Round exits by winning their tie at this stage last year.

Tie No. 116 – Windsor (HL Premier) v Wembley (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings although Wembley did lose twice to Windsor and Eton.

Facts: The only one of the 185 Extra Preliminary Round ties to involve two teams with the same initials. Windsor have gone out at this stage of the competition in both the last two seasons whilst Wembley won both their Extra Preliminary Round ties in the same period.

Tie No. 117 – Brimscombe and Thrupp (HL Premier) v Sun Sports (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both clubs had their best ever FA Cup runs last season although they ha e only had five campaigns between them.

Tie No. 118 – Royal Wootton Bassett Town (HL Premier) v Crawley Green (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Royal Wootton Bassett Town have failed to win in the FA Cup since adding the word ‘Royal’ to their name having had two successive Extra Preliminary Round exits since that change. Crawley Green have gone out at this stage four times in their eight campaigns so far.

Tie No. 119 – Colney Heath (SSML Premier) v Tring Athletic (SSML Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Colney Heath have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round five times in their nine previous campaigns whilst Tring Athletic have gone out at this stage just twice in 12 campaigns.

Tie No. 120 – Ardley United (HL 1 West) v Baldock Town (SSML 1)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Ardley United have avoided defeat at this stage of the competition more times than they have experienced it. Baldock Town have won just one FA Cup tie in the two seasons they have competed in it.

Tie No. 121 – Corinthian (SCEL Premier) v Deal Town (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: The two Extra Preliminary Round exits experienced by Corinthian in the last three seasons are the only two exits they have had at this stage of the competition in 16 campaigns. Deal Town have experienced four Extra Preliminary Round exits in the last 11 seasons, one more than in their previous 51 campaigns.

Tie No. 122 – Hassocks (SCL Premier) v Hollands and Blair (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Hassocks are returning to the FA Cup after three seasons away having had three Extra Preliminary Round exits in their last four campaigns. Hollands and Blair have had only one campaign so far making the Preliminary Round last season.

Tie No. 123 – Sheppey United (SCEL Premier) v AFC Croydon Athletic (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: extra preliminary v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: The current Sheppey United had their first FA Cup campaign last season, whilst AFC Croydon have had four campaigns so far. Both sides are yet to register their first win in the competition.

Tie No. 124 – Crowborough Athletic (SCEL Premier) v Lingfield (SCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Crowborough Athletic have been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round seven times in the last eight seasons, including the last four campaigns. Lingfield are returning to the FA Cup after a season away after having gone out in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last three campaigns.

Note: This tie to be played on Friday 4th August (at Maidstone United’s ground).

Tie No. 125 – Sutton Common Rovers (CCL Premier) v Canterbury City (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Whoever wins this tie will at least equal their best ever FA Cup run. Sutton Common Rovers have won just one FA Cup tie in seven campaigns. Canterbury City have only gone out at this stage once in the first of their four campaigns.

Note: This tie kicks off at 4.30pm on Saturday (at Sutton United’s ground).

Tie No. 126 – Newhaven (SCL Premier) v Peacehaven and Telscombe (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Newhaven haven’t been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round since the 1924/25 season. It’s been a while since Peacehaven and Telscombe have gone out at this stage, too, although it is only eight years for them.

Tie No. 127 – Colliers Wood United (CCL Premier) v AFC Uckfield Town (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Colliers Wood United set their best FA Cup run last season. AFC Uckfield Town have had just one FA Cup campaign, losing in the Extra Preliminary Round last season. Note: the FA consider AFC Uckfield Town to be a continuous club to AFC Uckfield who had six campaigns in the FA Cup, all of which they exited in the Extra Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 128 – Chessington and Hook United (CCL 1) v Lancing (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is seven years since Chessington and Hook United last were knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round whilst Lancing have gone out at this stage of the competition in each of the last four seasons.

Tie No. 129 – East Preston (SCL Premier) v Saltdean United (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Just one Extra Preliminary Round exit in five seasons for East Preston whilst Saltdean United are returning to the FA Cup after a 10 year hiatus having gone out at this stage of the competition five times in their last seven campaigns.

Tie No. 130 – Epsom and Ewell (CCL Premier) v Banstead Athletic (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Epsom and Ewell have alternated between Extra Preliminary Round and Preliminary Round exits in the last four years, trending towards the former this year. Banstead Athletic have had two Extra Preliminary Round exits in their last three FA Cup campaigns over five years.

Note: This tie will take place on Sunday 6th August.

Tie No. 131 – Hailsham Town (SCL 1 v Redhill (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting, a 1996/97 season 2-1 victory for Redhill in a replay.

Facts: Hailsham Town have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of the last eight seasons. Redhill have just one exit at this stage of the competition in the last six seasons.

Tie No. 132 – Loxwood (SCL Premier) v Holmesdale (SCEL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: preliminary v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Whoever wins this tie will at least equal their best ever FA Cup run. Loxwood have won just one FA Cup tie in their two campaigns. Holmesdale have lost as many Extra Preliminary Round ties as they have won in their eight campaigns to date.

Tie No. 133 – Tunbridge Wells (SCEL Premier) v Beckenham Town (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting, a 4-1 win for Beckenham Town in 2012/13 season, which is the Becks’ equal biggest FA Cup win.

Facts: Tunbridge Wells have gone out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round three times in the last five seasons. Beckenham Town have won through this stage of the competition in each of the last two seasons.

Tie No. 134 – Walton and Hersham (CCL Premier) v Mile Oak (SCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: Round 2 v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Walton and Hersham have never been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round in any of their 71 campaigns, although last year was their first appearance at this stage ever. Mile Oak have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last four campaigns over seven years.

Tie No. 135 – Sevenoaks Town (SCEL Premier) v Broadbridge Heath (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Sevenoaks Town set their best ever FA Cup run last season after four successive Extra Preliminary Round exits. Broadbridge Heath are returning to the FA Cup after an absence of 13 years, although they have had only one campaign to date with one Extra Preliminary Round exit.

Tie No. 136 – Hanworth Villa (CCL Premier) v Bedfont and Feltham (CCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Hanworth Villa have been knocked out just once in the Extra Preliminary Round in their six campaigns, as have Bedfont and Feltham but they’ve only participated three times so far in the competition.

Tie No. 137 – Glebe (SCEL Premier) v Lordswood (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: extra preliminary v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Technically, Glebe have never competed in the FA Cup before having been disqualified before kicking a ball last time they were drawn to take part two seasons ago. Lordswood have gone out at this stage of the Cup in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 138 – Whitstable Town (SCEL Premier) v Croydon (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v Round 2

History: Two previous FA Cup meetings with Croydon winning 5-0 in a replay in 1984/85 and Whitstable Town winning 3-0 in 2010/11.

Facts: Whitstable Town haven’t been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round since the 1949/50 season. For Croydon it is five years since they tasted defeat at this stage of the FA Cup.

Tie No. 139 – Worthing United (SCL Premier) v Steyning Town (SCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Worthing United have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of the last four seasons. Steyning Town return to the FA Cup after a 12 year absence and this will be the first time ever the club has had to participate in the Extra Preliminary Round.

Tie No. 140 – Arundel (SCL Premier) v Pagham (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Arundel are trending to reach the 2^nd Qualifying Round this season having been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round, Preliminary Round and 1^st Qualifying Round successively over the last three seasons. Pagham have reached the 1^st Qualifying Round in each of their last three seasons since last being knocked out at this stage of the Cup.

Tie No. 141 – Horley Town (CCL Premier) v Raynes Park Vale (CCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 3-1 by Raynes Park Vale in a replay in 2008/09.

Facts: Horley Town have gone out at this stage of the Cup twice in the last three seasons, whilst Raynes Park Vale have done the same in each of the last two.

Tie No. 142 – Abbey Rangers (CCL Premier) v Cray Valley Paper Mills (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: extra preliminary v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Just one FA Cup campaign to date for Abbey Rangers losing at this stage last season. Cray Valley Paper Mills have managed to get through this Round three times in their four campaigns.

Tie No. 143 – Eastbourne Town (SCL Premier) v Bearsted (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Bearsted are competing in the FA Cup for the first time.

Facts: Eastbourne Town have never been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in any of their previous 68 campaigns. Bearsted will become the fifth club Eastbourne Town has faced making their FA Cup debut although the last occurred way back in 1889/1900 season. Eastbourne Town have won two, lost two of their four previous ties against FA Cup debutants.

Tie No. 144 – Spelthorne Sports (CCL Premier) v Chertsey Town (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Spelthorne Sports are yet to taste defeat at this stage of the FA Cup having made the Preliminary Round in both of their previous two campaigns. Chertsey Town are trending to reach the 2^nd Qualifying Round this season having been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round, Preliminary Round and 1^st Qualifying Round successively over the last three seasons.

Tie No. 145 – Rochester United (SCEL Premier) v Erith Town (SCEL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Rochester United have won two, lost two in their short FA Cup history to date and went out in this Round last season. Erith Town have avoided defeat at this stage in both of their last two campaigns.

Tie No. 146 – Erith and Belvedere (SCEL 1) v Wick (SCL 1)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: Two previous FA Cup meetings both won by Wick, in successive years at the turn of the 21^st Century, with Erith and Belvedere yet to score against their opponents in the Cup.

Facts: Erith and Belvedere have gone out of the FA Cup twice in the Extra Preliminary Round in the last five seasons. That’s twice as often than in their previous 78 campaigns. Wick have the equal shortest name of all clubs competing in the FA Cup and they have gone out at this stage of the competition six times in their last seven campaigns over 11 years.

Tie No. 147 – AC London (CCL 1) v Crawley Down Gatwick (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as AC London are competing in it for the first time.

Facts: Crawley Down Gatwick have exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round twice in the last three seasons. The club has also faced one FA Cup debutant before but they lost that match against Guernsey.

Tie No. 148 – Chatham Town (SCEL Premier) v Littlehampton Town (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: QUARTER FINALS v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: It is 67 years since Chatham town last appeared in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, a tie which they lost. Littlehampton Town have gone out at this stage of the competition five times in the last nine seasons.

Tie No. 149 – Little Common (SCL 1) v Eastbourne United Association (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Little Common are competing in it for the first time.

Facts: Eastbourne United have not gone out at this stage of the competition since 2010/11 having had four FA Cup campaigns since then. Little Common will become the fourth club making their FA Cup debut that Eastbourne United will have faced. Their record to date versus other debutants is won one, lost two.

Tie No. 150 – Rusthall (SCEL Premier) v CB Hounslow United (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: N/A v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Rusthall are competing in it for the first time.

Facts: CB Hounslow United have just one FA Cup campaign themselves having reached the 1^st Qualifying Round last season. Unsurprisingly, this is the first time they have faced a club making their FA Cup debut.

Tie No. 151 – Haywards Heath Town (SCL Premier) v Bedfont Sports (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Haywards Heath Town have just one Extra Preliminary Round knock-out in their previous 55 FA Cup campaigns. Bedfont Sports equalled their best Cup run in both of the last two seasons.

Tie No. 152 – Horsham YMCA (SCL Premier) v Three Bridges (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both clubs were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round the last time they appeared in it. For Horsham YMCA that was last season, for Three Bridges that was in 2011/12.

Tie No. 153 – Bracknell Town (HL Premier) v Cowes Sports (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Bracknell Town successfully negotiated this Round in the last two seasons. Cowes Sports have five Extra Preliminary Round exits in last eight campaigns.

Tie No. 154 – Thatcham Town (HL Premier) v Petersfield Town (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Thatcham Town have been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round twice in the last three seasons. Petersfield Town won through this Round in each of the last two seasons and posted their best ever FA Cup run two years ago.

Tie No. 155 – Christchurch (WL 1) v AFC Portchester (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Christchurch have been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round three times in the last four seasons. AFC Portchester last went out at this stage in 2012/13 and have reached their best ever FA Cup run three times since then.

Tie No. 156 – Farnham Town (CCL Premier) v Fawley (WL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v extra preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Farnham Town have successfully negotiated this Round in both the last two seasons. Fawley have entered the FA Cup five times and have been eliminated in the Extra Preliminary Round each time.

Tie No. 157 – Bashley (WL Premier) v Fareham Town (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v Round 1

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 2-1 by Fareham Town in the 1988/89 season.

Facts: Bashley have never been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round although last season was the first time they had competed in it in their 29 previous campaigns. Fareham Town have had four Extra Preliminary Round exits in the last 10 years.

Tie No. 158 – Hamworthy United (WL Premier) v Bemerton Heath Harlequins (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Hamworthy United have made the 1^st Qualifying Round in each of their last two campaigns whilst Bemerton Heath Harlequins haven’t tasted defeat in this Round since 2013/14.

Tie No. 159 – Team Solent (WL Premier) v Brockenhurst (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Team Solent won their first FA Cup match last season at their fourth attempt. Brockenhurst last lost in the Extra Preliminary Round three seasons ago and equalled their best ever FA Cup run the following season.

Tie No. 160 – Badshot Lea (CCL 1) v Verwood Town (WL 1)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Badshot Lea have suffered defeat at this stage of the competition just once in their eight previous campaigns and have exited in the Preliminary Round in each of the last four seasons. After waiting six seasons to register their first FA Cup win, Verwood Town achieved it again for the second successive time last season.

Note: This match will take place on Sunday 6^th August.

Tie No. 161 – Amesbury Town (WL Premier) v Eversley and California (CCL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: preliminary v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Eversley and California are making their debut in the competition.

Facts: Amesbury Town won their first FA Cup match last season at the fifth attempt. On the only other occasion they faced opponents making their FA Cup debut they were well beaten 5-0, their equal record highest FA Cup defeat.

Tie No. 162– Camberley Town (CCL Premier) v Blackfield and Langley (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Camberley Town have suffered two Extra Preliminary Round eliminations in the last three seasons whereas Blackfield and Langley have not gone out at this stage of the competition during the same time period.

Tie No. 163 – Whitchurch United (WL 1) v Laverstock and Ford (WL 1)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 6

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Victory at this stage last season stopped a run of four successive Extra Preliminary Round exits for Whitchurch United. Laverstock and Ford have only one FA Cup victory under their belt in their three campaigns so far.

Tie No. 164 – Ringwood Town (WL 1) v Ascot United (HL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Ringwood Town return to the FA Cup after five years away having gone out in the Extra Preliminary Round in both their last two campaigns. Ascot United set their best ever Cup run last season.

Tie No. 165 – Binfield (HL Premier) v Chichester City (SCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Binfield have suffered two Extra Preliminary Round eliminations in the last three seasons whilst Chichester City have experienced the same fate six times out of the last seven seasons.

Tie No. 166 – Horndean (WL Premier) v Melksham Town (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both clubs are on unwanted mini-runs of being eliminated in the Extra Preliminary Round. For Horndean it is two successive seasons, following four consecutive seasons of equalling their best ever FA Cup run. For Melksham Town it is four successive seasons of Extra Preliminary Round knock outs.

Tie No. 167 – Knaphill (CCL Premier) v Bournemouth (Amateurs) (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v Round 1

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both clubs have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in both of the last two seasons.

Tie No. 168 – Newport (IOW) (WL Premier) v Guildford City (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 2 v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings, but Newport (IOW) did beat the original Guildford City in the 1945/46 season.

Facts: Newport (IOW) have been eliminated from the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons. Guildford City are trending to reach the 2^nd Qualifying Round this season having been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round, Preliminary Round and 1^st Qualifying Round successively over the last three seasons.

Tie No. 169 – Godalming Town (CCL Premier) v Westfield (CCL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 2-1 by Godalming Town in 2005/06.

Facts: Godalming town have not been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round since changing their name from Godalming and Guildford in 2005, although this is only the second appearance in this Round since then. Westfield, on the other hand, have gone out at this stage in both of the last two seasons.

Tie No. 170 – Sholing (WL Premier) v Alresford Town (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Sholing haven’t been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round since 2008/09 when the club was still known as VT FC. Alresford Town set their best ever FA Cup run last season.

Note: This match will take place on Friday 4^th August.

Tie No. 171 – Lymington Town (WL Premier) v Andover Town (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: preliminary v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Lymington town have exited the FA Cup in this Round in each of the last three seasons. Andover Town are yet to taste defeat in this Round having made Preliminary Round then 1^st Qualifying round in their two campaigns so far.

Tie No. 172 – Clevedon Town (TWL Premier) v Bitton (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 2^nd qualifying

History: One previous FA Cup meeting won 2-1 by Clevedon Town in a replay in the 2002/03 season.

Facts: Clevedon Town experienced their first Extra Preliminary Round defeat in 83 years two seasons ago. Bitton have made it through to the Preliminary Round in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 173 – Cadbury Heath (TWL Premier) v Longwell Green Sports (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: After three successive Extra Preliminary Round exits Cadbury Heath set their best ever FA Cup run last season. Longwell Green Sports have three Extra Preliminary Round exits in their eight campaigns so far.

Tie No. 174 – Plymouth Parkway (SWPL Premier) v Portland United (WL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Plymouth parkway are yet to taste defeat in this Round having reached the 1^st Qualifying Round four times and the Preliminary Round once in their five campaigns so far. Portland United return to the FA Cup following a 12 year hiatus and having been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round in both of their last two campaigns.

Tie No. 175 – AFC St Austell (SWPL Premier) v Bridport (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Both clubs experienced their second Extra Preliminary Round exit in four seasons last year.

Tie No. 176 – Wells City (TWL Premier) v Cribbs (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Wells City experienced their first Extra Preliminary Round elimination for 83 years last season. Cribbs have only won one FA Cup match in their three campaigns so far.

Tie No. 177 – Shaftesbury (WL Premier) v Exmouth Town (SWPL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v N/A

History: No previous FA Cup meetings as Exmouth Town are competing for the first time. Note: The FA consider the current club to be a continuation of the one that folded with debts in 2006.

Facts: Shaftesbury return to the FA Cup after an eight year absence and after having been eliminated in the Extra Preliminary in all three of their last campaigns. Exmouth Town will become the third debut club Shaftesbury will face in the FA Cup having won their first game against an FA Cup debutant and scratching before facing their second.

Tie No. 178 – Shepton Mallet (TWL Premier) v Tavistock (SWPL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: preliminary v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Shepton Mallet reached their best ever Cup run for the seventh time last season in 15 campaigns. They have been eliminated in the Extra Preliminary Round in the other eight. Tavistock return to the FA Cup after a four year break and after having been knocked out at this stage in their last two campaigns.

Tie No. 179 – Buckland Athletic (TWL Premier) v Bodmin Town (SWPL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 3^rd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Buckland Athletic have experienced five Extra Preliminary Round exits in their nine FA Cup campaigns. Bodmin Town haven’t gone out at this stage for 11 years, setting their best FA Cup run in the period since then.

Tie No. 180 – Cheddar (TWL 1) v Willand Rovers (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 6 v Step 5

Best Runs: extra preliminary v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Just one FA Cup campaign so far for Cheddar going out at this stage last season. After setting their best run three years ago, Willand Rovers have suffered two successive Extra Preliminary Round defeats.

Tie No. 181 – Wellington (TWL Premier) v Hengrove Athletic (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 1^st qualifying v preliminary

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Wellington return to the FA Cup after a period of six years and after having had two Extra Preliminary Round exits in their last three campaigns. Hengrove Athletic have just one FA Cup win under their belt in their five campaigns to date.

Tie No. 182 – Street (TWL Premier) v Hallen (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: Round 1 v 4^th qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: The joint shortest combined club names (12 letters) in this year’s Extra Preliminary Round. Street are trending to reach the 2^nd Qualifying Round this season having been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round, Preliminary Round and 1^st Qualifying Round successively over the last three seasons. Hallen have gone out of the FA Cup at this stage in both the last two seasons.

Tie No. 183 – Brislington (TWL Premier) v Sherborne Town (TWL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 4^th qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Brislington have been knocked out if the FA Cup in every Qualifying Round except the 3^rd Qualifying Round at some time during their 21 campaigns. Just five Extra Preliminary Round knock outs so far for Sherborne Town in their 13 campaigns.

Tie No. 184 – Bridgwater Town (TWL Premier) v Keynsham Town (TWL 1)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 6

Best Runs: 3^rd qualifying v 1^st qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Bridgwater Town have never experienced defeat in the Extra Preliminary Round in any one of their 21 FA Cup campaigns so far. Conversely, Keynsham Town have gone out at this stage of the competition in each one of their last six campaigns over 13 years.

Tie No. 185 – Bradford Town (TWL Premier) v Odd Down (TWL Premier)

Levels: Step 5 v Step 5

Best Runs: 2^nd qualifying v 2^nd qualifying

History: No previous FA Cup meetings.

Facts: Bradford Town have suffered five Extra Preliminary Round exits in seven FA Cup campaigns. Odd Down have experienced just one over the same period.

If you enjoy this blog do follow @FACupFactfile on Twitter for more, often unique, FA Cup facts and stats throughout the competition.

FA Cup 2017-18 EP Round Preview

This is a top-line overview of some of the key facts and stats in this year’s FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. A full tie-by-tie version is also available.

Odd Number

Unusually there are 737 clubs in this year’s FA Cup resulting in an Extra Preliminary Round containing 370 clubs and 185 ties. This is two more clubs and one more tie than has been normal recently and has come about because a Step 4 club, Isthmian League’s Guernsey, has decided not to enter the FA Cup this year. Step Four clubs come into the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round so in order to make up the numbers for that round two extra Step Six clubs get to partake in this famous competition. Appropriately, in a year when there is an odd number of clubs in the FA Cup, it was the Western League’s Odd Down who were the last club drawn out of the Extra Preliminary Round hat?

Familiar Foe?

Sixty-eight of the 185 ties (36.75%) involve two clubs who will also face each other in League action this season. That is slightly up from last year, but still a fair way below the majority of matches often thought to contain such opponents. The Northern League bears the brunt of these kind of fixtures with eight ties in total.

Another perception is that clubs play the same opponents over and over again in these early FA Cup rounds. Well the evidence suggests otherwise. Just 24 ties (13%) involve clubs who’ve met before in the FA Cup, and just five of these ties involve clubs with multiple meetings in the competition. The all-Northern League tie Consett versus Bishop Auckland is the standout exception as this will be their seventh FA Cup meeting having won three times each against each other in the past.

Can’t Wait

There will be 23 clubs experiencing the FA Cup for the first time, although two have links to clubs who’ve competed in it in the past. South West Peninsula Premier League side Exmouth Town is a re-formed version of Exmouth Town who folded in 2006 (the original club had 19 FA Cup campaigns from 1934-35 season, and the re-formed club was initially called Exmouth Town 2006), whilst Essex Senior League side Hackney Wick is a club that has absorbed London Bari who competed in the FA Cup over the last two years.

Most clubs who get to take part in the FA Cup tend to do so within a few decades of forming, but two of this year’s new clubs have had to wait considerably longer, more than 130 years after forming. Eastern Counties League side Framlingham Town were formed in 1887 and have the fifth longest wait to enter the FA Cup. However, formed two years earlier in 1885, is Chipping Sodbury Town from the Western League. The Sods have had to wait 132 years and have the third longest wait in FA Cup history. I’m sure both they and the Castlemen will think the wait was worth it.

Other debutants are AC London and Eversley & California (both Combined Counties League), Bearsted and Rusthall (both Southern Counties East League), Birstall United, Kimberley Miners Welfare and West Bridgford (all East Midlands Counties League), Charnock Richard, City of Liverpool, Litherland REMYCA, Whitchurch Alport and Widnes (all North West Counties League), Little Common (Southern Combination League), Stockton Town (Northern League), Wadham Lodge and West Essex (both Essex Senior League), and Woodley United (Hellenic League).

Also entering the FA Cup for the first time are Spartan South Midlands League side Biggleswade, and Hellenic League club Brackley Town Saints. What links these two clubs is that they were both former Reserves sides who have broken away from their parent clubs (Biggleswade Town and Brackley Town respectively – both in this year’s FA Cup, too) to create their own first team identities.

Four of the new clubs have been drawn to play each other – Framlingham Town versus Wadham Lodge and Chipping Sodbury Town versus Brackley Town Saints – so at least two newbies will grace the Preliminary Round, which is more than 18 other clubs in this year’s competition have done, clubs who have a FA Cup history but who have never actually won an FA Cup tie.

All is Lost

Several clubs with many FA Cup campaigns already in the bag are looking to register their first ever win in the competition. North West Counties League side Barnoldswick Town have had six attempts to progress beyond the Extra Preliminary Round but have so far failed to do so. Just behind them are Wessex League club Fawley who have had five FA Cup campaigns without a win, Southern Counties East League side AFC Croydon Athletic with four, and Northern League club Sunderland Ryhope Colliery Welfare who have had two campaigns without a win.

Potentially added to this list are AFC Uckfield Town from the Southern Combination League and the aforementioned Hackney Wick. The Sussex based club have had just one FA Cup campaign being knocked out of the Extra Preliminary Round last season. However, AFC Uckfield had six campaigns without registering a win, and the FA consider the current club to be a continuation. If they were the same club then they would head this list of ‘yet to win clubs’ in the FA Cup with seven unsuccessful attempts.

Forgotten Success

Other clubs who are looking to win in the FA Cup for the first time in quite a while include Eastern Counties League side Diss Town and Southern Combination League side Hailsham Town who have both exited the competition in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last EIGHT campaigns.

For Eastern Counties League side Woodbridge Town and Western League club Keynsham Town it is SIX successive Extra Preliminary Round knock-outs each. Northern League club Sunderland Ryhope Community Association, Northern Counties East League side Liversedge, Essex Senior League side Enfield 1893, Eastern Counties League club Walsham-le-Willows and United Counties League club St Andrews have all gone out on the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last FIVE campaigns.

For Northern Counties East League side Hallam, Eastern Counties League sides Ely City and Stowmarket Town, Spartan South Midlands League club Langford, Hellenic League side Fairford Town, Southern Counties East League side Crowborough Athletic, Southern Combination League clubs Lancing, Worthing United and Mile Oak, Western League club Melksham Town, Wessex League club Lymington Town, Essex Senior League club Takeley and United Counties League sides Wellingborough Town and Potton United it is Extra Preliminary Round exits in each of their last FOUR campaigns.

Three other Eastern Counties League clubs Swaffham Town, Gorleston and Haverhill Rovers, along with Spartan South Midlands League side FC Broxbourne Borough, Southern Combination League sides Lingfield and Wick, Wessex League club Shaftesbury, Western League side Hengrove Athletic, and United Counties League sides Buckingham Town and Huntingdon Town, have all had THREE successive Extra Preliminary Round eliminations. West Midlands Regional League side Wolverhampton Casuals have also exited the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round in each of their last three campaigns adding to their record total of 22 Extra Preliminary Round exits.

No EP KO

Several clubs are protecting long runs of having never been knocked out of the FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round led by North West Counties League side Northwich Victoria who have had 108 campaigns FA Cup campaigns so far. Admittedly, the Vics only other appearance in this round happened 69 years ago, a game they won 2-0 against Ellesmere Port Town.

Spartan South Midlands League club Southall are returning to the FA Cup after 12 years away and are appearing in the Extra Preliminary Round for the first time in 68 years. They have 93 FA Cup campaigns under their belt without going out at this stage. Combined Counties League side Walton and Hersham have 71 campaigns protecting their unblemished record, but actually they only appeared in this Round for the first time ever last season.

Burscough are another North West Counties League club who’ve never gone out in this Round but they too have only appeared in it once in 70 campaigns, back in the 1950/51 season. For 65 campaigns, Southern Combination League club Eastbourne Town never even appeared in the Extra Preliminary Round, but they have now managed to avoid defeat at this stage in each of the last three seasons.

Another Spartan South Midlands League club returning to the FA Cup after 11 years away, Edgware Town, have had 54 campaigns with just three Extra Preliminary Round appearances, Northern Counties East League side Harrogate Railway Athletic had to come through this Round for the first time in their 30^th campaign last season, likewise as did Wessex League club Bashley in their 29^th campaign.

Combined Counties League club AFC Hayes have put their perfect record in jeopardy five times in 23 campaigns and Eastern Counties League side Wroxham have done so seven times in 22 campaigns, so these two clubs can probably claim to have the most challenged unblemished Extra Preliminary Round records. The last two clubs to have had more than 20 FA Cup campaigns and to never have been knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round despite having had to compete in it are Western League club Bridgwater Town (once) and Essex Senior League side Great Wakering Rovers (twice) who have 21 FA Cup campaigns apiece.

However, Rugby Town from the Midland Football League have had 41 FA Cup campaigns so far without ever being knocked out in the Extra Preliminary Round, but this is actually because this is the very first time the club is appearing in it.

How Far Could You Go?

Two clubs in this year’s Extra Preliminary Round have actually made it as far as the Quarter Finals in the past, but both the aforementioned Northwich Victoria and Southern Counties East League side Chatham Town achieved the feat way back in the 19^th Century.

We used to be Giants

Three former Football League clubs are competing in this year’s Extra Preliminary Round: Northern League side Ashington, North West Counties League side Nelson and the ubiquitous Northwich Victoria.

Low Rollers

There are nine all-Step 6 ties guaranteeing at least nine clubs from the lowest level in the pyramid that are eligible to enter the FA Cup will be in this year’s Preliminary Round.