The Road to Wembley...Updated

 

Begins again this coming Friday evening when five Extra Preliminary Round ties take place, ahead of over 200 matches at the weekend.

Another season, and more changes to the format, means that no replays will take place from the First Round Proper onwards, whether they 'strengthen' the competition as the FA insist they will, remains to be seen but an expanded Champions League will struggle to match the drama provided by some of last season's FA Cup ties, even if I am biased as a Sky Blues supporter!

At this early stage of the season, however, the format remains untouched and the prize, whether financial or sporting, remains something of huge value to all involved.

A great example of this is a Facebook post from Beverley Town FC ahead of their first involvement in the competition since 1919.

The Beavers host Whitley Bay on Sunday 4th August and are encouraging those wishing to attend the game to buy tickets (£6/£4 and free for under-16's) in advance.

Updated Sunday 4th August: Replays may be a thing of the past for Premier League and EFL clubs but there will be plenty this coming midweek.

At Handsworth FC, for example, close to me here in Sheffield, the hosts were denied by an injury-time penalty for South Liverpool FC.

That means a scramble to arrange transport and time off work but Handsworth's after-match tweet didn't moan about fixture congestion, it merely wished their visitors a safe journey home and looked forward to meeting again on Wednesday evening.

A classy reaction, mirrored by the appreciation of South Liverpool for the hospitality they had been shown in South Yorkshire and an example for those higher up the footballing ladder.

Highland League 2024/25

The big kick-off in the Highland League takes place this coming Saturday (27th) July and, if you are on holiday in the area, I would highly recommend taking in a game.

Not only is the football itself highly competitive, given a fair weather day you can find yourself with some of the most stunning backdrops you will find anywhere in the UK.

Reigning champions Buckie Thistle, who were unable to subsequently take their shot at the promotion play-offs, will wait to begin the defence of their crown as they are involved in Scottish League Cup action at the weekend.

Last season's title race went down to the final game and both Brechin City (away to Keith) and Fraserburgh (on the road to Wick Academy) will be looking to get some early points on the board.

Brora Rangers, who host Turriff United, and Banks O' Dee, who visit Formartine United, will also see themselves as contenders.

There are also matches this Saturday at Lossiemouth, Huntly, Forres Mechanics and Deveronvale.

Tickets generally come in at a tenner for adults. Full fixtures can be found on the BBC website.

Pre-season: Apply to Oxford

A return to the National League South for Oxford City this coming season, after relegation last time out, but a club that remains on an upward curve, having come a long way from the testing times of the late 1980's when they had to leave the White House Ground.

Pre-season friendlies at home to Barry Town United (Sat 6th July), Sutton United (Tue 23rd) and Braintree Town (Sat 3rd August) will all be 'Pay what you want' with no minimum amount.

For a great perspective on football across the whole of the county, the Oxon Football website is regularly updated on X.

Pre-season: I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside

And I do like the town of Bridlington as well.

The Northern Premier League club are gearing up for the 2024/25 season, their first under new ownership, with free admission to all of their home friendlies.

These are currently scheduled for Saturday 6th July against Scarborough Athletic, Saturday 20th against Hallam FC and Tuesday 23rd against Beverley Town. 

Pre-season: A Vote Winner in Uxbridge

Lots of positivity surrounding Uxbridge FC this summer, and rightly so as the club, formed in 1871, have made a huge effort to strengthen their community ties and offer themselves as a welcoming, focal point for local people.

Season ticket prices have been cut to just £50 for adults and £5 for concessions with matchday entry priced at £5/£1 and free for under-16's.

Not only that but pre-season friendlies are free admission for people to come and sample the atmosphere at Honeycroft.

Uxbridge will, I'm sure, feature regularly on the brilliant London Football Guide over the coming season. 

Pre-season: Highland Summer

Summer in the north of Scotland is a beautiful time of year to catch some football and it won't be long now until the new Highland League season begins in earnest.

Banff club Deveronvale are warming up for the campaign with four home friendlies, against Tayport (Sat 6th July, 2pm), Lossiemouth United (Tue 9th, 7.30pm), Longside (Sat 13th, 2pm) and Maud (Sat 20th, 2pm).

Admission prices are £5 for those aged 16+, free for anyone younger.

Scottish Football Fixtures has the definitive list of pre-season matches north of the border. 

Pre-season: Super Severn

Pre-season #footballforafiver in Gloucestershire this summer at both Slimbridge AFC and Gloucester City.

Slimbridge host Forest Green Rovers (Tue 9th July, 7pm), Hungerford Town (Sat 13th), Weston-super-Mare (Tue 16th) and Shortwood United (Fri 26th) with admission to each game priced at £5 and free for under-16's.

City have home games scheduled against Longlevens (Tue 2nd July), Yate Town (Fri 19th), Haverfordwest County (Sat 27th) and Truro City (Sat 3rd August).

Adult tickets are £5 with various concessions and a £12 family ticket also available.

Severn Sport is an excellent website and X page covering the game at all levels in the county.