Binfield and Thatcham Town are the ‘Goliaths’ going into the FA Cup Preliminary Round weekend with the Isthmian League and Southern League Step 4 sides taking on Step 5 opposition.
For Binfield, the start of the season has been easily similar to the 2023/24 where a victory against Wokingham Town (then Wokingham & Emmbrook) in the Extra Preliminary Round made up for an opening day Isthmian League defeat.
Ross Weatherstone undoubtedly has bigger plans than a final day relegation scrap and Hellenic League Premier Division Longlevens offer an opportunity to push on. Regular FiB readers though will know the Severn Sport favourites are no mugs in their own back garden.
Speaking of which, if you can’t make the game, Severn Sport are offering live commentary which you can follow here.
Thatcham Town are adjusting to life in the Southern League and after an opening day defeat in deepest Devon, beat Shaftsbury at home on Tuesday and now host Wessex League Premier Andover New Street at the Mettal Stadium.
Home comforts you would think will see them through before Yashwa Romeo’s men head back to Bristol and a date with Cribbs in the FA Trophy.
Elsewhere, Virginia Water and Ascot United offer up a tantalising Berkshire(ish) derby at Arbour Park and Reading City head in to the unknown against Western League Premier Division Nailsea & Tickenham with the boost of a returning McKoy Palmer.
2024/25 FA Cup Preliminary Round fixtures for Berkshire clubs
FA Cup Preliminary Round ties to be played on the weekend of Saturday 17th August 2024. A full list of round dates is here.
The following ties are confirmed:
- Reading City vs Nailsea & Twickenham
- Wallingford & Crowmarsh vs Slimbridge
- Virginia Water vs Ascot United
- Harefield United vs Sandhurst Town
- Thatcham Town vs Andover New Street
- Longlevens vs Binfield
Keep up to date with all things FA Cup by heading over to our dedicated competition page here.
