Tag Archives: English Non League Football

NonLeagueReview graphic showing the FA Cup First Round draw and 40 ties

FA Cup First Round Draw: Non-League Clubs Discover Their Fate

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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.

NonLeagueReview graphic showing the FA Cup First Round draw and 40 ties
The FA Cup First Round Proper draw – ties to be played the weekend of 7 November.

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.

National League: Boreham Wood Stay Top as Woking Hit Carlisle for Five

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The National League table has been reshaped after another action-packed Saturday, with Boreham Wood increasing their lead at the top of the table following a convincing victory over Solihull Moors.

There were goals throughout the division, including a five-goal thriller at Carlisle, a big win for Woking and an impressive away victory for Barrow.

Saturday’s National League results

  • Aldershot Town 5–1 Tamworth
  • Altrincham 3–0 Hornchurch
  • Boston United 0–1 AFC Fylde
  • Carlisle United 2–5 Woking
  • Harrogate Town 4–1 Eastleigh
  • Kidderminster Harriers 0–1 Yeovil Town
  • Scunthorpe United 4–1 Hartlepool United
  • Solihull Moors 0–3 Boreham Wood
  • Southend United 2–4 Barrow
  • Sutton United 3–3 Forest Green Rovers
  • Wealdstone 4–0 Gateshead
  • Worthing 2–1 FC Halifax Town

Boreham Wood go top

Boreham Wood produced one of the standout results of the afternoon, winning 3–0 away at Solihull Moors.

The victory takes Boreham Wood to 26 points from 10 games, with a goal difference of +15. They now sit at the summit of the National League table.

Southend United remain second on 20 points, while AFC Fylde are also on 20 points after their narrow 1–0 victory at Boston United.

Woking hit five at Carlisle

Woking were another big winner, recording a 5–2 victory away at Carlisle United.

The result moves Woking onto 12 points, while Carlisle remain on 10 points after their tenth league game.

Elsewhere, Aldershot Town also scored five as they defeated Tamworth 5–1.

Barrow stun Southend

Southend United suffered a setback at home as Barrow came away with a 4–2 victory.

Southend remain second with 20 points, but their goal difference has taken a hit following the four goals conceded.

Big wins for Wealdstone and Harrogate

Wealdstone recorded a comprehensive 4–0 win over Gateshead, while Harrogate Town defeated Eastleigh 4–1.

Harrogate’s victory keeps them firmly in the promotion picture, with 19 points from 10 matches.

Altrincham and Yeovil claim away wins

Altrincham recorded a comfortable 3–0 victory over Hornchurch, taking them to 18 points.

Yeovil Town also picked up three points on the road, beating Kidderminster Harriers 1–0.

Six-goal thriller at Sutton

One of the most entertaining games of the afternoon came at Sutton United, where the hosts and Forest Green Rovers played out a 3–3 draw.

Sutton move onto 17 points, while Forest Green sit on 14.

The picture at the top

With Boreham Wood leading the way on 26 points, the battle behind them is already becoming congested. Southend and AFC Fylde are level on 20 points, while Harrogate, Aldershot, Yeovil, Kidderminster and Altrincham are all within striking distance.

At the other end, Solihull Moors and Gateshead remain on four points, while Tamworth have eight and Hartlepool nine.

With all 24 clubs having now played 10 matches, the National League table is beginning to take shape — but there is still plenty of football to be played.

Follow NonLeagueReview for more National League results, tables, news and analysis throughout the 2026/27 season.