The FA Cup first-round draw has delivered several intriguing matchups, including Leicester City’s trip to non-league Oxford City and a family showdown between Peterborough United manager Robbie Savage and his son, Charlie Savage, who plays for Reading. With Football League clubs joining the competition, underdogs will have their chance to create memorable cup upsets.
Key Highlights
- Savage family showdown: Robbie Savage’s Peterborough United will host Reading, featuring his son Charlie Savage.
- Leicester face non-league opposition: The former champions will travel to sixth-tier Oxford City, while Wigan Athletic visit Boreham Wood.
- Underdogs target giant-killing wins: Tadley Calleva could face Barnsley if they overcome Aldershot, while AFC Rushden & Diamonds visit Burton Albion.
- First-round dates confirmed: Matches are scheduled for the weekend of 7 November, with winners advancing towards a potential third-round meeting with Premier League and Championship clubs.
Robbie Savage Set for Emotional FA Cup Clash Against Son
One of the most eye-catching ties from the FA Cup first-round draw will see Peterborough United manager Robbie Savage face Reading, where his son Charlie Savage plays, at London Road.
According to The Sun, the family connection adds a personal storyline to the fixture as Peterborough look to progress to the second round. The draw brings together clubs from League One and League Two alongside 32 remaining non-league teams, creating opportunities for compelling matchups and potential upsets in English football’s historic cup competition.
Leicester City and Wigan Athletic Face Non-League Challenges
Former FA Cup winners Leicester City and Wigan Athletic have entered the competition amid difficult periods, with both clubs handed away ties against non-league opposition. Leicester will travel to sixth-tier Oxford City, giving the hosts an opportunity to claim a notable scalp against a club with a distinguished history in English football.
The Foxes have endured a challenging start in League One following consecutive relegations, winning just three of their opening nine league matches. Wigan Athletic, meanwhile, will head south to take on Boreham Wood in another tie that could test the League One side against ambitious non-league opposition.
Non-League Clubs Eye FA Cup Upsets
Several lower-ranked teams will be hoping to make headlines during the first round, with the possibility of facing higher-level opposition offering a major incentive. Tadley Calleva, the lowest-ranked club remaining in the draw, could travel to Barnsley if they defeat Aldershot in their Tuesday replay. AFC Rushden & Diamonds have also been handed an away trip to Burton Albion.
Meanwhile, seventh-tier debutants Plymouth Parkway and Berkhamsted will meet each other rather than a Football League club. The all-non-league encounter guarantees one of the two sides a place in the next round.
FA Cup First-Round Draw in Full
The following fixtures have been drawn for the first round:
- Dover Athletic vs Wealdstone
- Mansfield Town vs Macclesfield or Anstey Nomads
- Huddersfield Town vs Exeter City
- Luton Town vs Chesham United or Forest Green Rovers
- Bristol Rovers vs Cambridge United
- Oldham Athletic vs Sheffield Wednesday
- Kidderminster Harriers vs Doncaster Rovers
- Leyton Orient vs Harborough Town
- Accrington Stanley vs Wycombe Wanderers
- MK Dons vs Swindon Town
- Newport County vs Walsall
- Bromley vs Rotherham United
- Barnet vs Tranmere Rovers
- Fleetwood Town vs Rochdale
- Barnsley vs Aldershot or Tadley Calleva
- Plymouth Parkway vs Berkhamsted
- Chesterfield vs Leatherhead or Yeovil Town
- Gillingham vs Barrow or Gloucester City
- Bury or Harrogate Town vs AFC Fylde
- Crewe Alexandra vs AFC Wimbledon
- Oxford United vs Stevenage
- Burton Albion vs AFC Rushden & Diamonds
- Bedford Town or Cray Wanderers vs Stockport County
- Port Vale vs Scunthorpe United
- Cheltenham Town vs FC Halifax Town
- Colchester United vs Chorley or Worcester City
- Eastleigh vs Shrewsbury Town
- Peterborough United vs Reading
- Wimborne Town vs Crawley Town
- Plymouth Argyle vs Spalding United or Alvechurch
- Hornchurch vs Blackpool
- Guiseley vs Sutton United
- Gateshead or Stafford Rangers vs Grimsby Town
- Oxford City vs Leicester City
- Bradford City vs Marine
- York City vs Northampton Town
- Altrincham or FC United of Manchester vs Notts County
- Boreham Wood vs Wigan Athletic
- Carlisle United vs Salford City
- Salisbury vs Sholing
FA Cup First-Round Matches Set for November
All first-round fixtures are scheduled to take place over the weekend of 7 November. The winning teams will advance to the second round, where they will continue their pursuit of a place in the third round. That stage traditionally marks the arrival of Premier League and Championship clubs, raising the stakes for the remaining contenders.
With former winners facing non-league opposition and the Savage family preparing for a unique encounter, the first round promises plenty of storylines as clubs across the English football pyramid chase FA Cup progress.
