FA Cup Preview

This preview from NL's Sam Elliott:

The Enterprise National League North and South clubs are about to begin their FA Cup journeys with some intriguing ties in prospect.

The competition starts for 48 of our clubs this weekend, and of course one team in particular know exactly how important it all is.

Little did anyone at Macclesfield know what was around the corner this time last year.

The club went on to create one of the biggest FA Cup headlines in history when they defeated the holders, Premier League Crystal Palace, in front of a worldwide audience.

John Rooney’s greatest hour won’t ever be forgotten, but he has urged the hunters not to become the hunted - Redcar Athletic want to slay the Silkmen.

Darlington have a similar task after being drawn to play Northern League Redcar Town.

They aren’t the only team looking to avoid becoming the second qualifying round story.

Lower Breck lie in wait for Chester, who are struggling for result of a sudden and Phil Parkinson is demanding compete focus.

Leaders Hereford are also on the road to a lower ranked club - they’ll need to be cautious at Stafford Rangers.

There will be some all National League North ties as Morecambe meet managerless Southport, with AFC Telford United drawn to play Worksop Town, Marine and Radcliffe playing and Bedford Town on hosting duties against King’s Lynn Town. 

 

Hereford Has History In The FA Cup Said Downes

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has been speaking about the FA Cup ahead of tomorrow's tie at Stafford.

"This club has unbelievable history," Downes told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Everybody knows Hereford because of the history of the FA Cup.

"I want to do it justice, no I can't guarantee we'll go to Stafford Ragers and win, but I want to do it justice because this club has got such history in the Cup.

"I'll do everything I can to make sure we sort ourselves out and make sure we are organised for Saturday.

"I keep saying it I'm so proud to be manager of this football club at the minute.

"I'll maintain working ever so hard to try and keep the feel-good factor we have got going." 

I Won't Take Stafford Lightly Said Downes

Ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Stafford Rangers, Aaron Downes has been talking to BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I definitely won't be taking them lightly, that's for sure," said the Hereford manager.

"I think they've won ten or eleven games this season.

"They are in great form, they are a good experienced side, they've got a manager who knows what he is doing.

"And they've sold a lot of tickets so real massive credit to both sets of supporters.

"We'll be taking a really big following but their home support will be very high as well.

"It will be a proper cup tie which is great for everybody involved.

"They will really fancy it, they are in good form like us.

"So it will be a tight, tough game.

"We've got to make sure we approach it in the right manner."  

News Round Up

Hereford FC Under 18's have been drawn to play Stourport Swifts in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup. The tie is expected to be played on September 29th or 30th at Edgar Street.

The FA Cup Third Round Qualifying draw will be announced at 1pm on Monday 21 September. No new clubs enter at this stage. Ties take place on October 3rd.

Hednesford Town have signed teenage goalkeeper Will Murdock on loan from Manchester United. 

Hereford vice-captain Kam Kandola has been nominated for the Non-League Player prize at the Asian Football Awards 2026 which take place on September 29th. 

Dagenham have confirmed that former Hereford striker Remaye Campbell has joined the club from Hemel Hempstead with a deal until the end of the season. 

Dean To Manage Brackley

Gareth Dean is the new Brackley manager. He takes over from Andy Whing.

This from Brackley: 

The legendary Saints captain, Gareth Dean, will take charge until the end of the season, supported by Ali Worby and returning club favourite James Armson.

Following the resignation of Andy Whing as First Team Manager, the Board would also like to thank his assistant, Craig Pead, and wish him every success for the future.

Now, in true Brackley Town fashion, it is time to begin a new chapter.

As is so often the case at Brackley Town, when the club needs someone to step up, one man is never far away.

Our legendary captain, Gareth Dean, simply cannot say no. Now, he’s back in the dugout.
Although Gaz hung up his boots at the end of last season, he has remained heavily involved behind the scenes, helping with recruitment and working on plans for the future of our club.

Gaz will take charge of the team until the end of the season, working alongside Joe Taylor as the club looks for the right person to lead the Saints into next season.

Gaz will not be doing it alone. Joining him in the dugout will be Ali Worby, who has once again stepped up when our club needs him.

Finally, another familiar and much-loved face at BTFC will form part of the new management team. Welcome back to St James Park, James Armson.

This group will undoubtedly be hugely popular with our supporters. Between them, they know this club. They know what it means to wear the Brackley shirt, and they know exactly what Brackley Town means to the people who support it.

Now it is time for everyone to get behind them.

Join us as Gaz, Ali, Jimmy and our young Saints begin this exciting new era against AFC Portchester in our opening Emirates FA Cup fixture.

Bring your voices, passion and Brackley pride. Let’s fill the stands, create an unforgettable atmosphere and give the new management team and players the support they need from the very first whistle.

This is more than just a cup fixture; it is the beginning of a new journey for Brackley Town Football Club.

2500 Expected For Stafford v Hereford

 

With a big crowd expected here's what Stafford have told their supporters in advance of tomorrow's tie.

Saturday is going to be a very special occasion at the Stan Robinson Stadium.

We are expecting a crowd in the region of 2,500 supporters for our FA Cup tie against Hereford, and before anything else, we want to say a very simple THANK YOU.

Thank you for backing Stafford Rangers.

Thank you for coming through the gates.

And thank you for believing in the project of making Rangers successful again.

The growth in support around the club has been fantastic, and seeing so many people getting behind the Rangers is something everyone at the club is incredibly proud of.

STAFFORD RANGERS v HEREFORD

FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND

Saturday 19th September | 3.00pm

IMPORTANT – THIS IS AN ALL-TICKET MATCH

Please make sure you have your ticket with you when you arrive.

https://staffordrangersfc.ktckts.com/event/srffacq2/fa-cup-v-hereford-segregated

With such a large crowd expected, please allow plenty of time for your journey and entry into the stadium.

GATES OPEN – 12.00 NOON

Home supporters should enter via the entrance to the right-hand side of the Social Club as you look at the building.

The Lotus side of the ground is allocated to Hereford supporters.

FOOD, DRINK & ENTERTAINMENT

There will be plenty happening before kick-off, so come early and enjoy the occasion.

We will have:

• A selection of bars available in the Social Club
• A further bar at the back of the stand
• An additional outlet at the Shed End
• Tuck shop in the Jon Downing
• World famous pies available
• Hot drinks
• The Club Shop located behind the Main Stand

LIVE MUSIC

A live band will be performing before kick-off:

12.45pm – 1.30pm
1.45pm – 2.45pm

Steph Hughes and then duo Andy & Stacey will also be performing in the Jon Downing Social Room.

HALF-TIME ENTERTAINMENT

Local dance troupe Fusion will be showcasing their skills during the half-time entertainment.

And, of course, Bobby Badger will be entertaining everyone as usual!

PARKING – PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY

Parking will be challenging with such a large crowd, which is one of the reasons we are opening the ground at 12 noon.

Please arrive early where possible.

Please do not park on the grass verge opposite the stadium. You may receive a parking ticket.

We also ask everyone parking in the surrounding area to be respectful and considerate towards our neighbours.

LET’S MAKE THE WHOLE GROUND ROCK

With such a large attendance, we cannot have supporters moving around the ground to follow the direction of attack or migrate behind the goal. Please try and stay in your chosen area.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t make the whole stadium loud!

Let’s spread the noise around the Stan Robinson Stadium and make sure the players know exactly how much support they have.

Sing. Shout. Cheer. Get behind the Rangers.

Wouldn’t it great to see Stafford Rangers progress into the next round of the FA Cup.

DON’T RUSH HOME AFTER THE FINAL WHISTLE

The day doesn’t have to finish when the football does!

Please feel free to stay with us after the game, have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere at Marston Road.

The Jon Downing Social Room will remain open until 6.30pm.

The Members Bar will be open until midnight.

And, if the weather is kind to us, we’ll look to keep an outside bar open too, giving everyone the opportunity to relax, enjoy the surroundings and make the most of the pleasure of Marston Road.

2,500 PEOPLE. ONE CLUB. ONE RANGERS.

Thank you for being part of this.

Thank you for backing Stafford Rangers.

And thank you for backing the project of making Rangers successful again.

Most importantly, enjoy the game and enjoy your day with us.

Let’s make Saturday a day to remember. 

Over 2500 Tickets Sold For Stafford v Hereford Cup Tie

Stafford Rangers have reported that they have sold over 2500 tickets for tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Hereford.

Only 100 home tickets remain on sale.

It's currently unknown how many away tickets have been sold. 

 

The Cup, romance and six appeal

The romance of the Cup gives us a temporary break this weekend from what has been a staggeringly, pinch-me-I’m-dreamingly good start for Hereford FC in the National League North.

It hardly needs saying that places don’t come much more romantic than Staffordshire (a weekend in Stoke or Paris? No contest), and the Bulls travel to Stafford Rangers for a second qualifying round tie that will go to a replay if the sides are drawing at the end of 90ish minutes. The draw could have been considerably kinder, and Stafford away may as well be sponsored by Fyffes given how it screams ‘banana skin’.

Talking of romance, this Bulls side has been very easy to fall in love with. Hard-nosed long-term pessimists on the Len Weston Terrace were unanimously, unprecedentedly thrumming with appreciation last Saturday like giddy teenage girls at a Taylor Swift concert at what was a truly impressive performance, arguably the best of the Hereford FC era.

Jack Tolley’s cameo last weekend suggested that he’s ready to be involved at this level when called upon, and Liam Roberts showed the quality of his crossing when he came on in the second half. If Aaron Downes is considering any rotation here those two could see some action, with the ever-capable Keziah Martin also possibly getting a start in the middle or on the left, and Danny Waldron perhaps set for his first 90 minutes in a Hereford shirt, a shirt that was stretched to ripping point by various South Shields players last weekend.

Their defenders were admittedly in a state of some shock by the time Jordan Williamson was introduced against them, but his contribution was considerable and could see him involved more significantly here.

Will Merrett improves with every game and was one of about ten candidates for man of the match last Saturday. Eleven in fact, given the assist from Theo Richardson for one of the later goals. ‘One of the later goals’ – what IS going on?! The FGR loanee and Kyle Howkins, with Kyle in monstrously good form, is proving to be some centre-back partnership.

The latter looked like he’d picked up a slight knock towards the end against South Shields, and perhaps the manager will consider giving him a rest, with Kam Kandola able to slot into central defence with fresher legs following his three-week suspension.

Stafford ply their trade two levels below Hereford, and currently sit second in their bit of the Northern Premier structure. However, as is always the case at this time of year, lower-level sides have already been busily beavering away in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, meaning that they’ve only played a handful of league games, in Stafford’s case six, so there’s not a huge amount to go on in terms of league form, but they’ve won eight of their last ten league games across last season and this one, which is good form in anyone’s book. However, like Hereford they narrowly avoided relegation last time.

Rangers have a proud history in the non-league game, and were founder members of the Football Conference in 1986, the fifth level of English football still known by many as the GM Vauxhall Conference – surely one of the best value-for-money sponsorships in football given that it stopped being that 28 years ago.

It’s certain that Stafford will be more up for a fight than South Shields were last weekend, and if their goalie and two defenders do any intricate little passing triangles in their own penalty area it’ll be accidental rather than tactical. Hereford will have to match them physically early on to win the right to attempt to out-football them.

There’s an HUFC link between the clubs in the form of Stafford’s goalkeeping coach Scott Cooksey, United’s goalie at the turn of the century, who on his day was quite brilliant. Current goalie Russell Saunders may have to be Cookseyesque in this game to repel a rampaging Bulls side that oozes six appeal. Linkages between the two clubs extend to Stafford having been managed by Phil Robinson, Steve Bull, Neil Grayson and Steve Burr at various times.

Ex-Curzon Ashton centre forward Scott Bakkor has been described by his manager as being ‘the best number 9 in the division’. Admittedly he would say that, but Bakkor scored 23 at Runcorn last season and will need to be shut down here in the same way Paul Blackett was last week. 

This is a big game for the in-form hosts and they’ll make it very difficult for the visitors, who will know they’ve been in a game afterwards regardless of the result. Tricky one.

Finally, if you took a little bit of that 33/1 about Hereford’s title chances a few short weeks ago, good luck to you as they now trade at 5/1. League and Cup double? That’s going to be considerably bigger than 33/1.

COYW

Whing Leaves Brackley

 

Former Hereford FC assistant manager Andy Whing has parted company with Brackley who are currently 21st in the National North League.

This from Brackley:

The Board has today accepted the resignation of Andy Whing as first team manager. Andy was appointed in February 2026 and oversaw the second half of the 2025/26 National League season, a campaign which ultimately ended in relegation to National League North.

This season Andy has brought together a young squad with a lot of potential. Throughout his tenure, Andy has represented Brackley Town Football Club with professionalism and integrity.

The Board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Andy for his efforts during his time at the Club and we are genuinely grateful for the work he has put in with the players and staff. The Board fully respects Andy’s decision and we wish him the very best for the future.

A unity and a togetherness have always been strengths at our club. We urge all supporters to come together and to get behind the team on Saturday and in these coming weeks.

The Club will provide an update in due course ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie 

First Round Bye For Hereford In HFA County Cup

Hereford FC are into round two of the HFA County Challenge Cup.

The First Round draw took place yesterday and Hereford received a bye. 

Hereford U18's progress into FA Youth Cup 2nd Qualifying Round after shoot-out success

Hereford FC U18's progress into the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup after beating AFC Wolverhampton City U18's 4-3 on penalties this evening at Edgar Street in the 1st Qualifying Round and keeping their unbeaten start to the season going.

After the visitors took the lead from the penalty spot in the 11th minute the Bulls youngsters equalised after long ball by goalkeeper Will Utley was latched onto by Jude Gaudin before he rounded the goalkeeper.

Hereford then took the lead after a short corner eventually found it's way to Harry Jones who planted the ball first-time into the bottom-right corner before the Wulfs equalised despite the best efforts of Utley.

The second 45 became stretched with both sides searching for a winner in normal time but it didn't come so the cup tie went to a penalty shoot-out. First penalties for each we're saved by the goalkeepers with the visitors final kick rattling the crossbar before Harry Jones slotted away Hereford's final spot-kick to secure a 4-3 win.

Attention switches to another Cup competition now for Hereford in the form of the Colin Lowe Memorial League Cup when the Bulls youngsters welcome Kewford Eagles U18’s in the 1st Round to Newton Farm.

Words: Sam Cummins 

Hereford Progress In FA Youth Cup

Hereford are through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup.

At full time the score was:

Hereford 2 AFC Wolverhampton 2 

So there was a penalty shoot-out which Hereford won 4-3.

 

Hereford To Play Westfields In HFA Giantkillers Cup

Hereford FC have been drawn at home to Westfields in the First Round of the 2026/27 Herefordshire FA Giantkillers Cup. 

A date for the tie has yet to be confirmed. 

Campbell Leaves Hemel Hempstead

 

Former Hereford striker Remaye Campbell has left Hemel Hempstead.

This from Hemel Hempstead:

Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club can today announce that Remaye Cambell has departed the club and will be joining another National League South outfit.

We would like to put on record that we are disappointed in the decision and have reluctantly accepted the bid for Remaye, as he has expressed his wishes to accept the opportunity offered to him.

Remaye has been an important part of the club and what we are building here. We thank him for his contributions and efforts for the club, including his part in the playoff run of last season. 

Manager Lee Bircham has been clear in his desire to retain Remaye, and naturally losing a player of his quality is disappointing. Although Remaye leaving is not the outcome any of us wanted, the transfer funds this provides to the club can now be reinvested in the squad and the wider operations at the club.

The management team are currently in the process of reshaping and strengthening the squad which is a process that takes time. There are unfortunately occasions during this process where the circumstances are out of the manager’s control and dictate the decisions we must make.

Supporters can be assured that Lee and his team remain fully focused on building a squad capable of competing at the top end of the National League South.

We would like to thank Remaye for everything he has done whilst in a Tudor shirt and we wish him the absolute best for the future.

Stafford Rangers Won Their League Game Last Night

Stafford Rangers won their league game against Kidsgrove last night 2-1.

Kyle Sambor and Scott Bakkor scored their goals.

742 watched the game. 

Hereford travel to Stafford on Saturday for an FA Cup tie.