Following a demanding qualifying campaign for non-league clubs, the first round of England’s oldest competition is set to return.
Underdog victories are what the FA Cup is famous for, often creating unforgettable moments for fans of lower-league clubs as they support their teams.
A grand total of 40 ties are set to be played out to determine who gets through to the second round, here are three key matchups to keep your eye on.
MK Dons Vs AFC Wimbledon
Perhaps the most highly anticipated clash of the first round is between two clubs who have such historical significance with one another. The hosts for this tie were founded in 2004 after the controversial decision was made to relocate them from London to Milton Keynes. After this decision was made by the newly founded club, a Phoenix club was created by Wimbledon FC fans, titled AFC Wimbledon.
Despite AFC Wimbledon having to start from scratch, they now find themselves in the same league as MK Dons. For football fans around the country, it’s always nice to see AFC Wimbledon, very much considered the underdogs in many eyes, get one back on their historical rivals. In recent years, both sides have played in fierce derbies with one another, and that will be no different when they face each other in the FA Cup.
Chesham United Vs Lincoln City
National League South side Chesham United are set to host League One play-off pushers Lincoln City. After beating teams like Cray Valley Paper Mills, Bishops Cleeve and National League side Yeovil Town, the Buckinghamshire-based side will now set their sights on a potential cup upset against an established third-tier side at home to get them through to the second round of the FA Cup.
The match being held at Chesham’s home ground The Meadow will also bring its fair share of advantages for the non-league club, both from a revenue perspective and a crowd advantage perspective. If the hosts play like they did against Yeovil, despite having a poor start to their league campaign, anything is possible for the side who currently sit in the sixth tier of English football.
Tamworth FC Vs Huddersfield Town
After achieving back-to-back promotions from the Southern Premier Division Central to the National League, it is fair to say that Andy Peaks’ side are not here just to mess around. Already being used to being called the underdogs but holding their own in the fifth tier of English football so far, can the hosts capitalise on Huddersfield’s recent poor form to progress further in this competition?
Much like Chesham, a home advantage for Tamworth could prove to be crucial, for boosting revenue streams and for the home crowd advantage. Despite having to play fewer matches in qualifying due to their National League status, an impressive 4-2 win against Macclesfield is nothing to be shunned, and they will certainly fancy themselves to be giant killers.
