Non League Review

The magic of the Emirates FA Cup returns in November, with non-league clubs across the country discovering their opponents for the First Round Proper. The ties are scheduled for the weekend of 7 November, with clubs dreaming of a giant-killing, a place in the Second Round and a memorable moment in their history.

There are several intriguing all-non-league clashes, alongside mouth-watering ties against Football League opposition. With £47,750 in winner’s prize money and £15,800 for the losing clubs listed for the round, there is plenty at stake.

Oxford City vs Leicester City

One of the headline ties sees Oxford City take on Leicester City. It promises to be a major occasion for the non-league side, who will relish the opportunity to test themselves against higher-league opposition and dream of a famous cup upset.

Bradford City vs Marine

Marine will be hoping to create more FA Cup memories when they face Bradford City. The Merseyside club have enjoyed memorable runs in the competition before, and this tie offers another chance to put non-league football in the spotlight.

Plymouth Parkway vs Berkhamsted

An all-non-league clash guarantees one club from outside the Football League a place in the Second Round. Both Plymouth Parkway and Berkhamsted will see this as a genuine opportunity to extend their cup adventure.

Dover Athletic vs Wealdstone

Dover Athletic face Wealdstone in another meeting between non-league sides. Both clubs will be targeting progression and the chance of another attractive draw in the next round.

Kidderminster Harriers vs Doncaster Rovers

Kidderminster Harriers have been handed a home tie against Doncaster Rovers. The hosts will hope home advantage can inspire a special performance, while Doncaster will be keen to avoid an upset.

Leyton Orient vs Harborough Town

Harborough Town face an exciting challenge against Leyton Orient. The opportunity to take on league opposition is a major incentive, and the FA Cup gives non-league clubs a stage to test themselves against teams from higher up the pyramid.

Barnsley vs Aldershot Town or Tadley Calleva

Aldershot Town or Tadley Calleva will be looking forward to a potentially exciting trip to Barnsley. The outstanding qualifying tie will decide Barnsley’s opponents, with a big occasion awaiting whichever club progresses.

Chesterfield vs Leatherhead or Yeovil Town

Chesterfield will face either Leatherhead or Yeovil Town, with the result of the outstanding tie deciding their opponents. Both potential visitors will be aiming to make the most of their opportunity.

More non-league ties to watch

Bury or Harrogate Town vs AFC Fylde – AFC Fylde await the winners of the outstanding tie.
Burton Albion vs AFC Rushden & Diamonds – Rushden & Diamonds face a tough test against league opposition.
Bedford Town or Cray Wanderers vs Stockport County – A big occasion awaits the qualifying winners.
Cheltenham Town vs FC Halifax Town – Halifax have the chance to take on Football League opposition.
Colchester United vs Chorley or Worcester City – The qualifying winners will travel to Colchester.
Plymouth Argyle vs Spalding United or Alvechurch – A potentially memorable trip awaits the side that progresses.
Gateshead or Stafford Rangers vs Grimsby Town – Stafford Rangers could earn a tie against Grimsby if they advance.
Altrincham or FC United of Manchester vs Notts County – An attractive fixture awaits the winners.
Gillingham vs Barrow or Gloucester City – The qualifying winners will hope to make their mark.
Hornchurch vs Blackpool – Hornchurch have the opportunity to welcome league opposition.

The prize money

The financial rewards add another incentive for clubs competing in the First Round Proper. The prize money supplied for this draw is £47,750 for the winners and £15,800 for the losing clubs. Progression also brings the possibility of further prize money, greater exposure and another opportunity to make history in the Second Round.

The magic of the FA Cup continues

From all-non-league encounters to potential giant-killings, there is plenty to look forward to when the ties take place over the weekend of 7 November. For supporters of the non-league game, the FA Cup is all about the possibility of an unforgettable afternoon, a famous result and a club making history.

Which non-league club do you think has the best chance of causing an upset? Let us know in the comments and follow NonLeagueReview for more FA Cup news, fixtures, results and reaction.

Two matches, one historic football ground and the chance to make non-league history. Great Yarmouth is preparing for a special day as AwayDays creator Ellis Platten brings his latest football takeover to the Norfolk coast on Saturday 24 October 2026.

The historic grandstand at the Wellesley Stadium, home of Great Yarmouth Town — The historic Wellesley grandstand at Great Yarmouth Town. Photo: Great Yarmouth Town Club Shop.

Following the success of a previous AwayDays event earlier this year, Ellis Platten is returning with an ambitious challenge: bring supporters to the Wellesley Stadium for two local matches and help break the reported attendance record for the Anglian Combination.

What is the Great Yarmouth attendance record attempt?

The event will feature two fixtures at the Wellesley Stadium on the same afternoon. The headline target is to beat the reported Anglian Combination attendance record of 1,000 spectators during the second match, between AC Mill Lane and Shrublands. That figure is reported as having been set by Watton United against Norwich City in 1985.

For clubs operating at this level of the non-league pyramid, attracting a crowd of that size would be an extraordinary occasion. The event aims to raise the profile of grassroots football, introduce new supporters to local clubs and create a memorable matchday for players and volunteers.

Two matches, one ticket

Great Yarmouth Town vs Stowmarket Town — 1pm

The afternoon begins with Great Yarmouth Town taking on Stowmarket Town in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier Division. The fixture gives the home club an opportunity to showcase its supporters and historic ground to a wider audience.

AC Mill Lane vs Shrublands — 4pm

The second match sees AC Mill Lane face Shrublands in the Anglian Combination Division Three South. This is the fixture at the centre of the record-breaking ambition, with organisers hoping fans will stay for the second game and help generate a crowd capable of surpassing the reported league record.

A floodlit football match at the Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth — Football under the lights at the Wellesley Recreation Ground. Photo: Visit Great Yarmouth.

Why Great Yarmouth matters to Ellis Platten

The event has a personal connection for Ellis Platten, the creator behind the AwayDays football channel. Great Yarmouth is his hometown, making this takeover about more than attracting a big crowd. It is also an opportunity to give something back to a place that means a great deal to him.

The plan is to bring football fans to the Norfolk coast, introduce them to clubs in the local pyramid and help grassroots teams benefit from the attention. It is an example of how football content creators can use their platforms to encourage people to attend live matches and support clubs in person.

Building on the success of Witham Town

The Great Yarmouth event follows an AwayDays takeover at Witham Town in March 2026, when 1,205 spectators attended the match against Gorleston. That turnout showed the potential for online football communities to translate into real-world attendances at non-league grounds.

The Great Yarmouth challenge is different: supporters are being asked to travel to the east coast for a double-header, with a specific league attendance record in their sights. The event organisers say proceeds will go to the clubs involved rather than the creators.

A boost for grassroots football

Football at this level is built around volunteers, local communities and people who give up their time to keep clubs running. A big attendance can introduce new supporters, generate matchday income and give players the experience of playing in front of a crowd they may not normally see.

The event also shines a spotlight on the Wellesley Stadium, a ground with a remarkable history. Its Grade II-listed grandstand opened in 1892 and is widely recognised as one of the oldest football stands still in use. For groundhoppers and supporters who enjoy discovering the stories behind non-league grounds, it is an especially fitting venue for an event built around football history.

Great Yarmouth takeover: ticket and fixture details

Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Venue: The Wellesley Stadium, Sandown Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1EY
1pm: Great Yarmouth Town vs Stowmarket Town
4pm: AC Mill Lane vs Shrublands
Reported ticket prices: Adults £10; under-18s and over-65s £5
Ticket: Admission covers both matches.

Supporters should check the official event page for the latest ticket availability and arrangements before travelling.

Tickets and event information

Can non-league football make history again?

The Great Yarmouth takeover is another example of the enthusiasm and creativity that make non-league football special. Whether supporters are travelling from nearby Norfolk towns or making a longer journey, the message is simple: turn up, support the clubs and help make the occasion count.

Breaking the attendance record would be a significant achievement for the Anglian Combination and the teams involved. Just as importantly, the event offers a chance to introduce new people to grassroots football and remind everyone that the non-league game has stories, characters and experiences worth celebrating.

On Saturday 24 October, attention will turn to the Wellesley Stadium. The challenge is set, the fixtures are arranged and the hope is that supporters will once again show what can happen when the non-league football community comes together.

NonLeagueReview will continue to cover the stories that make grassroots football special, from non-league news and ground reviews to club features and the people behind the game.

Further reading: Great Yarmouth Borough Council on the history of the Wellesley Recreation Ground.