FA Cup Second Round: Non-League Sides Eye Historic Upsets
The drama of the FA Cup always ramps up another notch in the second round.
Just one more game and one more victory stand between the 11 non-league clubs still competing in the FA Cup and the opportunity to face one of the Premier League's elite teams. The excitement of potentially matching up against a top-flight club is not the only motivation this weekend; there is also the chance to make history.
In this round, 14 teams from League One and 15 from League Two remain, while clubs from the Championship and Premier League will enter in the next stage.
Here are five key storylines to watch over the next few days.
Who can reach round three for the first time?
This weekend, three teams—Weston-super-Mare, Slough Town, and Brackley Town—are aiming to make history by reaching the FA Cup third round for the first time. Additionally, re-formed Macclesfield, who now compete in the National League North, are also in the mix. While they reached the third round 11 times in their previous incarnation, they have not done so since their return in 2020.
Slough will host Macclesfield on Sunday at 12:30 GMT in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Slough manager Scott Davies described this opportunity as "incredible," emphasizing that his side is filled with "confidence, enthusiasm, and motivation to secure a big tie in the next round."
“The FA Cup is special, and we’re fortunate to still be in it,” Davies told BBC Radio Berkshire. “We've already secured £126,000 in prize money, which is a significant boost for the club and well deserved.”
As the last remaining team from Berkshire, Slough is making history by staying in the competition longer than Reading for the first time in 40 years. The Rebels hold the record for the most second-round appearances—nine—without advancing to the third round, but Davies knows they face a formidable challenge ahead.
“This isn’t a perfect opportunity because Macclesfield is a strong side, but we have a good chance to progress, and you never know,” he added. “We dare to dream of a trip to Old Trafford. I don’t want this to be a missed opportunity in the future. I hope we can perform well enough to advance and enter dreamland territory.”
Two sixth-tier clubs guaranteed to go through
Due to the draw, at least two non-league teams from the sixth tier are assured a place in the third round. Slough versus Macclesfield isn’t the only all-sixth-tier clash in this round. Weston-super-Mare will also seek to reach the third round for the first time as they visit Chelmsford City, who have not achieved this feat since the 1972-73 season.
Interestingly, Saturday marks exactly 22 years since the Seagulls made their only previous appearance in the second round, where they were defeated 4-1 by Northampton Town.
Where might the biggest upsets be?
The FA Cup is renowned for its potential upsets, and the second round presents several opportunities for underdogs to triumph over stronger opponents. Brackley Town, who dramatically defeated League Two Notts County 4-3 on penalties in the last round, will host League One side Burton Albion on Monday. The two teams are separated by 49 league places, with Brackley currently sitting 20th in the National League and Burton at 19th in the third tier.
However, Burton was eliminated at this stage last season by National League Tamworth on penalties, and Brackley hopes to replicate that success. Despite a run of five consecutive league defeats, Brackley is determined to seize this opportunity, while Burton’s manager Gary Bowyer acknowledges that “form goes out the window for both teams.”
“The FA Cup creates special memories, and we want to create our own on Monday,” Bowyer told BBC Radio Derby. “We need to show professionalism, attitude, and energy again, and we respect the challenge that lies ahead.”
Elsewhere, National League North side Buxton will aim to reach the third round for the first time since the 1951-52 season when they face League Two strugglers Cheltenham Town, who are 39 league places above them. Buxton boasts former Manchester City academy player Tai Sodje among their ranks.
Another potential upset could occur at Bloomfield Road, where League One's Blackpool will host Carlisle, a team currently thriving in the National League and sitting second. After being relegated from the EFL last season, Carlisle is on an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak, including a 3-2 victory over League One Reading in the last round. In contrast, Blackpool, who enjoyed a brief resurgence under new manager Ian Evatt, has not won in five matches.
Orient boss Wellens faces former club Salford
The FA Cup second round weekend kicks off at the Peninsula Stadium on Friday at 19:30 GMT, where Salford City will welcome Leyton Orient. Salford reached the third round for the first time in their history last season and aim to replicate that success.
Orient's manager Richie Wellens returns to Salford, where he had a brief tenure during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by the absence of fans. “It was difficult, with no interaction with supporters, and every club I’ve been at has had a good relationship with the community,” Wellens told BBC Radio London. “It’s not a period I look back on fondly. I wish them all the best, but I hope they get knocked out on Friday. I do hope they achieve promotion at the end of the season.”
Will Stones sink Mariners again?
League Two Grimsby Town may hold the advantage of being one division and 21 league places above National League side Wealdstone. However, Grimsby may not be thrilled about facing Wealdstone again, as they were eliminated by the same team in the first round last season with a 1-0 loss.