Saturday's early kick off in the FA Cup comes from the Memorial Ground as Step Three Farnham Town look to shock National League Sutton United. Live on BBC, Paul Johnson's will look to reach the first round proper for the first time in their history. They are also hosting a former Football League team for the first time ever, so it is set to me a memorable day, regardless of the result.
In recent years, Farnham Town FC have experienced a remarkable rise through the ranks of non-league football. Under the leadership of manager Paul Johnson, the club entered the 2023–24 season with high hopes — and exceeded every expectation. They began the campaign with an astonishing run of 25 straight victories, eventually finishing the season unbeaten with 35 wins and three draws. That record-breaking performance saw them crowned champions of the Combined Counties Premier Division South and earned them a well-deserved promotion.
Riding the momentum, Farnham carried their form into the 2024–25 season, competing in the Isthmian League South Central Division. Far from struggling to adapt, they dominated once again, securing over 100 points and achieving a second consecutive promotion. Their blend of attacking flair, defensive discipline, and strong team spirit turned them into one of the most talked-about clubs in non-league football.
Their hunt for three straight promotions has started strongly, sat fourth in the Southern Premier League South, still yet to lose a game in all competitions. At home, they have won two and drawn three.
Off the field, the club has invested heavily in its future. Improvements to The Memorial Ground, including new seating and facilities, reflect Farnham’s growing ambitions and their commitment to supporters.
Sutton United were relegated from League 2 in 2023/2024, finishing mid table last campaign. The U's hierarchy were harbouring hopes of a return to the Football League, but a disappointing start to the campaign looks to have extinguished that hope.
This poor start saw Steve Morison dismissed as manager, with assistant manager Jon Meeney also leaving the club after a couple games in interim charge. Sutton opted to appoint Worthing manager Chris Agutter as his replacement.
The 37-year-old has a big task on his hands, with his new side without a win in nine and winning just one of their 16 games in all competitions. Sutton have FA Cup pedigree, most notably in the 2016-2017 season where they reached the fifth round, before being beaten by Arsenal.
Farnham opened at a big 8.00 to win the match, making the +2 asian handicap a bet worth taking. However, the odds have been smashed in, with the hosts now just 2.62 to win the game. Despite the contrasting form of the sides, the two league gap means Sutton should fancy their chances of getting a result.
Prediction: Sutton Win @ evens
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