The FA Cup is the best competition in the world, with shocks prominent in every round – no matter the stage. With the Third Qualifying Round approaching, we take a look at games that have the potential for surprises.
Woodford Town, one of the few Step 5 teams left in the competition, host Step 3 side St Albans City.The Woods sit atop the Essex Senior League. After navigating the preliminary rounds against Colney Heath and Harlow, Woodford have since beaten Newmarket and Bury Town to reach the Third Qualifying Round but now face their toughest test yet. However, with six wins from seven in the league, confidence will be high in Essex.
St Albans, perhaps surprisingly, were relegated from the National League South last season and now ply their trade in the Isthmian Premier Division. The Saints have had a mixed start to the season and sit ninth in the table. Away wins at Aylesbury Vale (1-3) and Hitchin (1-2) have seen them progress this far, but Woodford present a unique test, with the hosts looking to capitalise on a defence that has yet to keep a clean sheet on the road.
Based on the bookies’ odds, this would not be considered an upset, as Harborough are favourites, but for many it would still be a shock due to the league difference.The Bees rose to fame with a heroic cup run last year, narrowly losing away at Reading. Mitch Austin has built a strong squad – one perhaps capable of challenging towards the top of the division above.
Harborough currently sit top of the Southern League Central, three points clear of the chasing pack, with six wins and three draws. Step 2 opposition have already been defeated, with Worksop of the National League North falling in the last round.
Peterborough Sports could be swapping leagues with the hosts next season after a poor start to their campaign. Phil Brown was hired as the new manager in the hope of resurrecting their fortunes, and the wily campaigner started with a big win against Hornchurch in the last round. However, work is still needed to lift Sports off the bottom of the National League North.
Again, based on the bookies’ odds, this would not be much of an ‘upset’, but Spalding will look to shock another Step 2 side after coasting past Alfreton in the last round. The Tulips are well in title contention, sitting just four points off the top of the Southern League Central – despite playing all nine games away from home.
Dagenham & Redbridge are having a dire time after relegation from the National League. The Daggers sit in the relegation zone with just one win from nine games – failing to win any of their away fixtures. A defeat to a buoyant Spalding could mark the end of Lee Bradbury’s disastrous tenure.
Thirty-four-to-one outsiders to win the Southern Premier League South, Sholing have started strongly and are currently three points off table-toppers Walton & Hersham, with four wins and four draws from eight games. The Boatmen have coasted through to this stage, beating Fairford (0-2) and Fareham (0-3).
After nearly securing a shock promotion last year, Eastbourne Borough saw their playing squad and staff gutted – most notably manager Adam Murray departing for Kidderminster. This has seen Boro struggle in the opening stages of the season, sitting rock bottom of the National League South without a win. A 4-0 victory over Epsom saw them qualify for this round, but league form remains a major concern.
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