Berkshire sides Binfield and Bracknell Town go into Saturday’s FA Cup Third Qualifying Round ties knowing a potentially high-profile tie against a former Football League club awaits in the final qualifying round.
Both sides will certainly fancy their chances of securing a tie against the likes of National League sides Wrexham, Notts County or Oldham Athletic, or a Berkshire derby with Maidenhead United when the Step 1 sides enter Monday’s FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round draw.
Please note, FiB has been reminded we’ve gotten a little ahead of ourselves. The Fourth Qualifying Round is regionalised North & South.
Binfield and Bracknell Town face teams at their own respective levels on Saturday with the Moles headed to fellow Step 4 side Beckenham Town and the Robins likewise to Step 3 rivals Yate Town.
Of course, 90 minutes with the possibility of a replay is a long time and anything could happen. But what lies in wait is a tantalising prospect for both clubs and literal history for Binfield who are already the furthest into the FA Cup that they have ever been.
Bracknell though would be no strangers to the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round having made it four previous occasions with just the one win in 2000 at Aylesbury United. The most recent being in 2003 when then National League (as they are today but with a couple of visits back to the Football League) Barnet visited Larges Lane.
Bracknell Town and Binfield’s FA Cup chances
In terms of form, Binfield arguable have the toughest tie at Beckenham. The home side are second in the Isthmian League South East Division One while Binfield are second in the South Central Division and will have new manager Garry Haylock in the dugout for the first time.
Bracknell will be favourites going into their tie, sitting as they do in mid-table while Southern League Premier Division South rivals Yate sit rock bottom – albeit on goal difference.
Full listings of all the weekend’s FA Cup, Vitality Women’s FA Cup and league action are available on our new Fixtures & Results service.
