Thrills and Upsets Await in FA Cup 2025-26 First Qualifying Round

In the 2025-26 season of the FA Cup, all competing teams participated with more in-depth information. In the first qualifying round, Dulwich Hamlet lost to Whitstable Town in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Another exciting piece of news is that Wimborne Town defeated Bishop’s Cleeve, and Erith Town suffered a disappointing loss to Farnham Town. Ashford United scored a 2-0 win against Raynes Park and Hayes & Yeading Utd, and a 1-1 tie over Whitehawk in the FA Cup. Quorn shocking surprises 8-0 triumph over Sherwood Colliery in the Football Association Challenge (FA Cup) 2025-26 season. Sittingbourne had a disappointing loss of 1-2 over Croydon Athletic and 2-0 over Sholing with Fairford Town in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Dorchester Town won 1-0 against Slimbridge, and Westfield won 2-0 against Sheppey United in the FA Cup. Cray Valley PM edged out 2-1 with Ramsgate in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Dive into the world of sports details with the latest updates.

Previous Records

Earlier matchups are Didcot Town’s 1-1 draw with Poole Town and Hednesford Town’s 3-1 win in the FA Cup. Billericay Town won stunningly 4-1 against Barton Rovers, and March Town United lost to Gorleston in the first qualifying round. Real Bedford tied performances with Bishop’s Stortford and Rossington. Mainly a very disappointing loss with Manchester United. Witham Town defeated Lowestoft Town 3-2, and Bowers & Pitsea lost 1-2 to Hertford. Gosport Borough won 2-1 against Basingstoke Town in the highly anticipated match. Epsom & Ewell beat Risborough Rangers 2-1, and in another game, Ashford won 3-2 against AFC Whyteleafe. Needham Market had a stunning 4-2 win over Tilbury in the FA Cup 2025-26 season, based on past performances. Workington lost 2-3 against Stalybridge Celtic in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup. Morpeth Town 2-1 victory over Pontefract Collieries, and Harborough Town drew with Leek Town at the final time. Explore all FA Cup 2025-26 season updates and in-depth information.

For the first qualifying round in the FA Cup, there was another thrilling matchup: Newmarket Town over Woodford Town. Worcester City ties 1-1 with Chasetown, and Warrington Town loses 0-3 to Bamber Bridge. Newcastle Blue Star was beaten 1-0 by Heaton Stannington in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Atherton Laburnum Rovers edged out 5-2, with Atherton Collieries and Maldon & Tiptree triumphing 2-0 against Canvey Island. Evesham United 5-2 Bromsgrove Sporting, Berkhamsted 2-0 St Ives Town, and Haverhill Rovers upset Waltham Abbey in the FA Cup. Tower Hamlets’ shocking win 4-1 over Ascot United and AFC Sudbury’s 4-0 win over Mildenhall Town. Steyning Town was defeated by Lancing in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. Mangotsfield Utd had a disappointing loss over Banbury Utd, and Bracknell Town tied 2-2 over Dartford. Hallam 2-2 effective draw with Ashton United, and the last game of Wokingham was an upset loss 1-5 with Burgess Hill Town. Check out global football with fresh news about transferring players, as well.

Upcoming Hurdles

AFC Portchester vs Gloucester City

On September 2, 2025, AFC Portchester will clash with Gloucester City at Wicor Recreation Ground, Portchester, in the first qualifying round of the 2025-26 FA Cup season.

Spring From

• AFC Portchester- 8th position in the Non-League Div One Isthmian
• Gloucester City—4th position in the Non-League Premier Southern South.

Prediction

Past rivals of AFC Portchester 2-1 over Moneyfields in the FA Cup 2025-26 season. The Non-League Div One Isthmian performances are based on the past year, with a moderate performance. AFC Portchester secured four wins, one draw, and one loss in their last six matches.

Gloucester City has been drawn with Evesham Utd across all competition games. After six matches, this team has achieved three victories, two losses, and one draw. Based on their performances, AFC Portsmouth will have a better chance of winning.

Fareham Town vs Winchester City

Fareham Town and Winchester City clashed on September 2, 2025, at Cam Alders, South Fareham, England. They are meeting for the first qualifying round in the FA Cup’s new season.

Spring From

• Fareham Town—9th position in the Non-League Div One Isthmian.
• Winchester City—6th position in the Non-League Div One Southern South.

Prediction

Fareham Town is on a three-match winning streak in all its matches and has been entered in the FA Cup. They had had three wins, two defeats, and one draw in their last six games. Fareham Town secured a 1-0 win over Hartley Wintney and a 2-0 win against Downton in another victory. They have managed to keep a clean sheet in Fareham Town’s last three FA Cup matches. Under 2.5 goals have been scored in Fareham Town’s last three recent games in the FA Cup.

Conversely, Winchester City has come out unbeaten in seven of their last eight FA Cup games. Under 2.5 goals have been scored in the three most recent FA Cup games in Winchester City. Their scoring average is 0.67 goals in their matches in the FA Cup. They have only one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five FA Cup games. Hence, Fareham Town will have a home turf advantage to secure a win in their upcoming matches.

Poole Town vs Didcot Town

At Tatnam Ground, Poole Town faces Didcot Town on September 2, 2025. For the first qualifying round in the Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup).

Spring From

• Poole Town- 7th position in the Non-League Premier Southern South
• Didcot Town—21st position in the Non-League Div One Southern South

Prediction

Poole Town has played as the home team, with a total number of goals over 1.5 in full-time. They have completed 27 out of the last 42 matches in the tournament. They have scored over 2.5 goals in full-time as a home record. Even more, the previous team finished 19 out of 42 matches with a winning probability. In the last 18 out of 42 games, both teams have scored when Poole Town played as the home team.

At the previous away side, Didcot Town, the total number of goals was over 1.5 full-time. They managed 35 out of 37 matches, so they were closely fought. In the last 27 out of 37 games, Didcot Town completed the away side’s total number of goals. This team has played and scored in the last 23 out of 37 matches as the outside. Thus, Poole Town will likely have a slight edge.

Chasetown vs Worcester City

Chasetown and Worcester City will meet for the first qualifying round of the FA Cup. Both teams will play on September 2, 2025, at the Scholars Ground in Burntwood, England.

Spring From

• Chasetown—6th position in the Non-League Div One Northern West.
• Worcester City—14th position in the Non-League Premier Southern Central.

Prediction

Chasetown had an exciting run at home, with over 1.5 goals scored in 36 out of their last 42 matches. A thrilling fact about Chasetown is that 2.5 goals were scored in 28 of those games. Plus, in 21 matches, both teams kept it tight and didn’t score. Chasetown’s home games promise plenty of action and drama, making each match a must-see!

Worcester City had displayed some exciting trends on the road! In 21 of their last 27 away matches, the total goals exceeded 1.5, indicating a dynamic scoring potential. Even more stunning, in 14 of those matches, the goals ended over 2.5. Additionally, it’s interesting to note that either side had no goals in 14 of the 27 away games. These stats highlight Worcester’s thrilling gameplay and make each match an exciting event to look forward to! As a result, Chasetown will gain in their forthcoming series.

Bishop’s Stortford vs Real Bedford

The Bishop’s Stortford will square off with Real Bedford on September 2, 2025, at Prokit UK Stadium. They are joining for the first qualifying round in the FA Cup run-in.

Spring From

• Bishop’s Stortford—2nd position in the Non-League Premier Southern Central.
• Real Bedford—17th position in the Non-League Premier Southern Central.

Prediction

Bishop’s Stortford had a fun-filled start to their league campaign. They won all five opening matches and scored 13 goals while conceding only two. In the 2025 season, Bishop’s Stortford averaged 2.33 goals per match, significantly higher than Real Bedford’s 0.83. Bishop’s Stratford has recently been performing well in the league and has secured a win.

Real Bedford earned a 1-1 draw in the away leg, demonstrating their ability to clash with Stratford. Despite their opponent’s strong league form, they are expected to win in the upcoming match. Real Bedford are in tough form in their home side record, and they average fewer goals per game. Their defensive side has conceded more goals per game (1.17) than Bishop’s Stortford (0.50). This time, Bishop’s Stortford will undoubtedly achieve success.

Stratford Town vs Halesowen Town

On September 2, 2025, Stratford Town will clash with Halesowen Town at DCS Stadium in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup 2025-26 season.

Spring From

• Stratford Town—18th position in the Non-League Premier Southern Central.
• Halesowen Town—7th position in the Non-League Premier Southern Central.

Prediction

Stratford Town has scored 14 goals in its last three home games, three of which ended over 2.5 goals. Stratford Town and Halesowen are competing for three points in the England Southern Premier League Central.

On the other hand, Halesowen has scored eight goals in its last three away games. In its previous game, Halesowen scored three goals in total. They have scored in two of their last three matches. This team has had two past games end with over 2.5 goals. Based on their performances, Halesowen Town will undoubtedly lead in their upcoming matches over Stratford Town.

Hastings United vs Faversham Town

Hastings United and Faversham Town at Pilot Field gather together on September 2, 2025. They are meeting for the first qualifying FA Cup 2025-26 showdown round.

Spring From

• Hastings United—14th position in the Non-League Div One Isthmian South East.
• Faversham Town—1st position in the Non-League Div One Isthmian South East.

Prediction

Hastings United had mixed results and reached the FA Cup 2025-26 season. They have won their last three home games in the FA Cup. This team has been performing and executing well in the Non-League Div One Isthmian. At this time, Hastings United will enhance their side in the FA Cup.

Faversham Town has a better record of six undefeated games and their last seven encounters in the FA Cup. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in the three most recent games in the FA Cup for the Faversham Town team. They are having a particular time of three straight FA Cup matches because Faversham Town has scored two more goals. Therefore, Faversham Town will use the same tactics and moves to earn their anticipated matches.

Nantwich Town vs Avro

Nantwich Town will face Avro on September 2, 2025, at the Weaver Stadium in England. Both teams are playing in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Spring From

• Nantwich Town—8th position in the Northern West Non-League One.
• Avro-7th position in the Non-League One Northern West.

Prediction

Nantwich Town has been consistent and displayed impressive performance at home. Out of the last 39 matches, 35 had total goals scored exceeding 1.5 by full-time. In 24 of these matches, both teams found the net while Nantwich played at home. Additionally, in 25 out of the 39 matches, total goals surpassed 2.5 during full-time. Their home games indicate their attacking prowess and engaging ability in high-scoring competitions.

In their last 36 matches, Avro has shown stunning performance as the away team. There have been over 1.5 total goals in 24 games, and both teams scored in 19 matches. Even more exciting news: there have been over 2.5 goals in 16 of them! It’s clear that Avro knows how to keep energy high and spectators engaged. This team has gained more experience in the FA Cup in the past year. Given this, Nantwich Town will pick up a victory in their forthcoming series.

Leek Town vs Harborough Town

At Harrison Park, Leek Town is locking horns with Harborough Town on September 2, 2025. For the first qualifying round in the FA Cup 2025-26 season.

Spring From

• Leek Town—16th position in the Northern Non-League Premier.
• Harborough Town – 1st position in the Non-League Premier Southern Central.

Prediction

We’re thrilled to announce that the replay will occur at Leek Town’s home ground, Harrison Park! Leek Town is showing great promise and a strong performance. In their last five league matches, they achieved 3 wins, 2 draws, and remained unbeaten! They’ve averaged 1.4 goals per match while conceding only 1.0. There’s still plenty of optimism as they continue to build on their league form. Notably, they’ve maintained a solid defense in the Cup with an average of 0 goals conceded. Let’s cheer them on as they strive to improve and maximize every opportunity! 

Harborough Town has had an eventful run lately, with 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses. They’ve shown a solid defense, averaging just 0.4 goals conceded per match and boasting 4 clean sheets this season. While they still find their stride in the 2025/2026 FA Cup, they have yet to score. There’s plenty of potential to turn things around in Harborough town. However, they faced a setback when a player was sent off against Leek Town. Their ability to bounce back and achieve great things moving forward! This way, Harborough Town will bounce back to capture a triumph in their upcoming matches.

Exmouth vs Shaftesbury

In the FA Cup of the first qualifying round, Exmouth encounter Shaftesbury. They are on September 3, 2025, at King George V Sports Ground.

Spring From

• Exmouth- 13th position in the Non-League Div One Southern South.
• Shaftesbury—3rd position in the Non-League Div One Southern South.

Prediction

Exmouth Town celebrated a fantastic home victory against Shaftesbury with a score of 2-0! This win reflects their growing strength and determination. They’ve shown incredible resilience throughout the season, often bouncing back after challenging first halves. Although they sometimes face hurdles in sustaining top performance, there’s a bright potential for improvement. While marked by a few challenging moments, their season highlights their fighting spirit, especially in close matches against more vigorous opponents. Daniel Dodimead scored a dramatic late winner, highlighting Exmouth Town’s tenacity. With more consistency, they can continue to build on their successes. Keep cheering them on!

Shaftesbury FC celebrated an exciting 2-1 win against Exmouth Town on their home turf, showcasing their promising potential even when playing away! They’ve enthusiastically kicked off the 2025/2026 season, triumphing in three out of their first four matches, including impressive wins over Brixham (5-1) and Bideford (4-0). Their strong start reflects a solid defense, having only allowed 2 goals in those games. While some challenges have been, like the tough 3-0 loss to Bristol Manor Farm, it’s all part of their journey as a newly promoted team. They’re learning and growing with each game, and there’s so much to look forward to this season. So, the Shaftesbury will hold on to success.