Berkshire’s Isthmian League trio of Binfield, Bracknell Town and Thatcham Town have all been given ‘byes’ to the Preliminary Round of the 2021/22 Emirates FA Cup.
When news of the draw dates was made public in June, the Football Association revealed that due to the restructuring of the National League System, 21 step 4 clubs would start a round earlier than usual in the Extra Preliminary Round.
The remaining 136 clubs, including – we now know – the three Berkshire clubs will begin their campaigns in the Preliminary Round.
The draws for the Extra Preliminary Round and Preliminary Round are due to be released on Friday 9th July.
As well as the important dates, the FA also revealed that only eight Step 6 clubs would be admitted to the FA Cup next season.
Vanarama National League South sides Hungerford Town and Slough Town are exempt until the Second Qualifying Round and Maidenhead United join in the Fourth Qualifying Round.
Round dates and prize fund details are here.
