Football Heads Up: FA Cup 2025-26—Past Rivals and Upcoming Ties

A new formation of the FA Cup introduces a new club and new talents; all domestic leagues are being covered this season. Where the past week’s rivals finished the second qualifying round, Chasetown tied with Banbury Utd in the FA Cup 2025-26. Bootle upset Darlington, and Needham Market stunned Eynesbury Rovers 4-3. Another exciting match between Westfield, tied 2-2 with Horsham, Tower Hamlets had a very disappointing loss over Flackwell Health. Aveley was defeated 2-1 by AFC Sudbury, and Morpeth Town edged out a 2-1 win against Witton Albion. Congleton Town was upset about their loss to their opponent, Chorley. Burgess Hill Town had another loss with Farnham Town and Gloucester City 1-2 with Chippenham Town in the FA Cup 2025-26. Sholing is unbeaten at 3-0 with Fareham Town, and Peterborough Sports had a stunning 2-1 win over Hornchurch. Bracknell Town defeated Tadley Calieva 2-0 in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Explore the FA Cup 2025-26 season updates with football enthusiasts here.

Past Contenders

Macclesfield defeated Atherton Laburnum Rovers 3-0, and Mulbarton Wanderers drew with Witham Town. Dorking Wanderers’ shocking win 7-2 over Wingate & Finchley and Taunton Town’s tie with Weston-super-Mare. Westbury United beat Oxford City 3-2 in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Chelmsford City edged out Hertford 6-0, and Shepshed Dynamo lost 0-2 against Stamford, their past rivals. Whitehawk had a disappointing loss with Walton & Hersham, and Bury Town tied 1-1 with Woodford Town. Brixham upset Dorchester Town 1-3, and Eastbourne Borough beat Epsom & Ewell 4-0. Weston-super-Mare won stunningly 3-0 over Taunton Town, and Evesham United won 1-0 over RC Warwick in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Halesowen Town defeated Grimsby Borough 6-1, Worthing defeated Jersey Bulls 5-0, and Slough Town defeated Welling United 1-0. Tonbridge 6-1 Steyning Town, Chichester City 0-1 Whitstable Town, Banbury Utd 1-1 Chasetown, Southport FC 3-2 Radcliffe. Dive into the world of sports with the up-to-date updates and in-depth information here.

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Upcoming Hurdles

Horsham vs Folkestone Invicta

The Horsham clash with Folkestone Invicta on September 27, 2025, at Fusion Aviation Stadium, England. For the third qualifying round in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Make sure you stay up to date with football updates and fresh news.

Flowing From

• Horsham F.C.—13th position in National League N/S (South).
• Folkestone Invicta F.C.- 2nd position in Non-League Premier Isthmian.

Prediction

Horsham was promoted to the National League South for the first time in 2024-25. The team works well because the players have been together for several years. Manager Dom Di Paola has led the team for a decade, which brings stability. Goalkeeper Lewis Carey is known for his good distribution skills. Although Horsham has a solid FA Cup history, their league performance at the start was uneven. They recently lost 0-2 at home to AFC Totton in a league match and conceded a late goal.

Folkestone Invicta has shown they can be strong, reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup in the 2021-22 season. They often create many scoring chances in their matches and have recently signed Finley Marjoram, a former Crystal Palace player. However, their performances in the early 2025-26 season have been uneven. They drew with Chichester City and won against Burgess Hill Town. The team has also had trouble finishing scoring opportunities, conceding two goals in recent matches. Hence, the Folkestone Invicta will have more of a chance to win.

Dunston UTS vs Gainsborough Trinity

Dunston UTS will come to blows with Gainsborough Trinity at UTS Stadium on September 27, 2025. They are meeting for the third qualifying round in the FA Cup 2025-26 run-in.

Flowing From

• Dunston UTS F.C.- 10th position in Non-League Div One (Northern East).
• Gainsborough Trinity F.C.—4th position in Non-League Premier (Northern).

Prediction

The last clash between the two teams concluded in a draw, leaving both sides with lingering questions. There was no definitive winner of the previous season in the encounters. This unresolved outcome sets the stage for an intriguing rematch as the teams approach their upcoming clash. In terms of current form, Duston UTS is entering the match with a boost in confidence. This team is following their recent 1-0 win over Witton Albion. This victory has enhanced their morale and strengthened their resolve to maintain that momentum going into the next match.

Gainsborough Trinity recently got on a pathway to come back from a tough loss this season. They were upset about losing 0-2 to Hednesford Town in the past FA Cup performances. This recent challenge raises an exciting question: will it reveal areas for improvement? Does Gainsborough ignite a fierce resolve in the team to come back even stronger? With so many emotions high, the upcoming match is arranged to be a thrilling spectacle. According to their performances, Gainsborough Trinity will undoubtedly have a slight edge.

South Shields vs Chorley

South Shields and Chorley will meet for the third qualifying round in the Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup). Both teams will play on September 27, 2025, at 1st Cloud Arena.

Flowing From

• South Shields F.C.—1st position in National League (North).
• Chorley F.C.—3rd position in National League (North).

Prediction

South Shields has achieved a stunning streak. They have remained unbeaten in their last ten consecutive matches across all tournaments. This remarkable run emphasizes their resilience and tough performances on the field. Notably, their clashes with Chorley FC have been particularly high-scoring. In their last four matches against this team, South Shields recorded more than 2.5 goals in each game. Furthermore, South Shields demonstrated their offense at home. They have scored at least two goals in their last four consecutive home matches in all competitions. South Shields has attacking prowess and can effectively turn chances into goals. Smith received a yellow card, and Crossley suffered a cruciate ligament injury.

Chorley FC has a remarkable winning streak, having secured victories in its last three games. This team has had a successful run and has been supported by the team; their offensive prowess is much better. They are averaging a stunning 2.30 goals per game in all their matches. Chorley FC has a defensive record during away games in the National League North. Their strong attacking performances, alongside some defensive feints, can find the back of the net. This team needs to shore up its defense during away matches. Ellis received a yellow card for a suspension. As a result, South Shields are likely to secure a victory.

Royston Town vs King’s Lynn Town

On September 27, 2025, Royston Town will tussle with King’s Lynn Town at Garden Walk Stadium, England. For the third qualifying round in the FA Cup 2025-26 season.

Flowing From

• Royston Town F.C.- 21st position in Non-League Premier (Southern Central).
• King’s Lynn Town F.C.—9th National League (North) position.

Prediction

Royston Town competed in the Southern League Premier Division Central in the past season. This is part of the non-League tier within the English football system. This team has a challenging squad and concluded the season in 18th place. A narrowly avoided the relegation zone after playing 40 matches with 17 wins, six draws, and 17 losses. In the end, Royston Town accumulated a total of 57 points. A reflection of their efforts and performances during the 2024 season in the Southern League Premier Division Central. Their determined play and ability to secure crucial points were vital as they sought to establish themselves.

King’s Lynn Town Football Club displayed their talent in the National League North, which earned them a spot. Although they faced an intense match against Chorley in the quarter-finals, their determination was evident. This team also makes a spirited run in the FA Cup, reaching the fourth round before Ashton’s 1-0 defeat. They had a close score of 2-1, reflecting their spirit, but Leamington eliminated them in the second round of the FA Trophy. King’s Lynn Town will likely earn their upcoming matches based on their performances.

Waltham Abbey vs Maldon & Tiptree

In the FA Cup 2025-26 season, Waltham Abbey and Maldon & Tiptree are gathered together. They are joining on September 27, 2025, at Caper Shotts, Waltham Abbey, England.

Flowing From

• Waltham Abbey F.C.—7th position in Non-League Div One (Isthmian North).
• Maldon & Tiptree F.C.- 2nd position in Non-League Div One (Isthmian North).

Prediction

Waltham Abbey has a 42% chance of winning their match over Maldon & Tiptree. There is a 26% chance of the game ending in a draw. Maldon & Tiptree has a 32% chance of winning. The teams are likely to score against each other 55% of the time, while there is a 45% chance. There is a 54% chance of more than 2.5 total goals being scored in the match. In their last game in 2025, Waltham Abbey beat Gorleston 2-0. Waltham Abbey and Maldon & Tiptree have played one match against each other. Waltham Abbey has not won any times. In their last 5 games, Waltham Abbey has won 3 times, lost 1, and drawn 1.

Conversely, Maldon & Tiptree had won once, with no draws across all competitions. This team scored an average of 5 goals per match, while Waltham Abbey scored one. In the current FA Cup season, Maldon & Tiptree has won all 4 games, with no losses or draws. They score an average of 2.75 goals per match and concede only 0.25. In those exact 5 matches, Maldon & Tiptree have won 4 times, lost 1 time, and had no draws. They score an average of 2.2 goals per match and concede 1.4 goals. They score an average of 2.4 goals per match and concede 0.6 goals. Given that Maldon & Tiptree will follow up with the same tactical moves to lead in their upcoming matches against Waltham Abbey.

Alvechurch vs Chelmsford City

On September 27, 2025, Alvechurch will face off with Chelmsford City at Lye Meadow. For the third qualifying round in the FA Cup 2025-26 season.

Flowing From

• Alvechurch F.C.- 3rd position in Non-League Premier (Southern Central).
• Chelmsford City F.C.—10th position in National League (South).

Prediction

Alvechurch had a 25% chance of winning their match and a 25% chance of the game ending in a draw. While Chelmsford City had a 50% chance of winning. The possibility of both teams scoring is 49%, meaning there is a 51% chance that at least one team will not score. There is a 48% chance of more than 2.5 goals being scored in the match. In their last 10 games, Alvechurch had over 2.5 goals in 9. Chelmsford City also had over 2.5 goals in 9 games. In their most recent match on September 13, 2025, Alvechurch won against Leamington with a score of 3-0.

Chelmsford City had won one match, lost none, and drawn none this season. In their FA Cup season, Alvechurch had won two games, lost none, and drawn none. They scored an average of 3.5 goals per match and conceded one goal. They have averaged 6 goals per match and have not conceded any goals. Chelmsford City has won 3 games, lost 2, and drawn none in their last 5 matches. They have scored an average of 2.2 goals per match and conceded 1.6 goals. Therefore, Alvechurch will pick up a triumph in their forthcoming series.

Fylde vs Darlington

Fylde will play Darlington in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Both teams will play on September 27, 2025, at Mill Farm Stadium in England.

Flowing From

• A.F.C. Fylde—4th position in National League (North).
• Darlington F.C.—15th position in National League (North).

Prediction

Fylde has good momentum after winning over Darlington 3-1 in a league match. Playing at their home stadium, Mill Farm, might give Fylde an extra advantage. They had a strong performance there before beating Bamber Bridge 4-1 in the last round of the FA Cup. In their win over Darlington, Fylde scored two late goals, showing they can score when it matters most.

Darlington secured their first league match of the season just before playing Fylde. This team is showing new strength, as seen in their recent game against Fylde. They managed to hold off their opponents, indicating a strong defense. Darlington scored a goal from a set piece in their last meeting with Fylde. Despite this, they had trouble keeping up with Fylde’s fast-paced football from the beginning to the end of the match. Their previous 3-1 loss to Fylde suggests that Fylde might have a mental edge going into the FA Cup tie. So, the A.F.C. Fylde will achieve success.

Poole Town vs Weston-super-Mare

At Tatnam Ground, Poole, England, Weston-super-Mare lock horns with Poole Town on September 27, 2025. For the third qualifying round in the FA Cup 2025-26, the moment of truth.

Flowing From

• Poole Town F.C.—4th position in Non-League Premier (Southern South).
• Weston-super-Mare—2nd position in National League (South).

Prediction

Poole Town will play at their home stadium, the Tatnam Ground, which may give them a significant advantage. They are currently performing well in the Southern League Premier South standings. However, Poole Town has not passed the FA Cup’s Third Qualifying Round for six years.

Weston-super-Mare has won seven of its last eight matches, including three of four away games, showcasing excellent form. It recently triumphed 3-1 against Farnborough and has a stronger FA Cup record than Poole Town in recent years. While its offense is strong, a high-scoring game could favor Poole Town if it capitalizes on chances.

Harborough Town vs Peterborough Sports

Harborough Town are in confrontation with Peterborough Sports on September 27, 2025, at Bowdens Park. Both teams are playing in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup 2025-26.

Flowing From

• Harborough Town F.C.—1st position in Non-League Premier (Southern Central).
• Peterborough Sports F.C.—24th position in National League (North).

Prediction

Harborough Town F.C. comes into this match after a tough game in which they drew 2-2 with Leiston. This result displays their ability to keep fighting, and their opponents had a good track record. But Harborough Town’s skill in recovering in games might balance things out.

Peterborough Sports FC just won a close match against Hornchurch, finishing 2-1. Can Harborough’s strong performance compete with Peterborough’s winning streak? They will likely win this upcoming match because of how well Peterborough Sports FC has been playing lately. In that way, Harborough Town will win.

Merthyr Town vs Hampton & Richmond Borough

At Cigg-e Stadium, Merthyr Town will play Hampton & Richmond Borough on September 27, 2025. They are meeting for the third qualifying round in the FA Cup 2025-26 season.

Flowing From

• Merthyr Town F.C.—8th position in National League (North).
• Hampton & Richmond Borough F.C.—5th National League (South) position.

Prediction

Merthyr Town will play at their home ground, Penydarren Park, which could be a key factor. They have an average of 2.27 goals per match this season. Merthyr Town were recently promoted to the National League North, showing confidence. However, their start has been mixed, including a recent 5-0 home loss to Radcliffe.

Hampton & Richmond Borough plays in the National League South, a higher division than Merthyr Town. They have a strong record in the FA Cup in recent years. While they have a decent away performance, playing FA Cup ties away is always challenging. As we conclude, Hampton & Richmond Borough will likely gain in their upcoming matches.