Flanagan's Football Files

The eagerly anticipated FA Cup and FA Vase draws for the 2025–26 season were revealed on 4th July, and there are some mouth-watering ties in store for our clubs.

In the FA Cup, one fixture that certainly stands out is Buckhurst Hill’s trip to big-spending, ambitious Maldon & Tiptree. A tough ask, no doubt, but what a fantastic experience it promises to be for the Stags.

Meanwhile, Barking will welcome Isthmian League side Grays Athletic to Mayesbrook Park, in what looks set to be another exciting tie. Add to that a clash between two well-supported club, Saffron Walden Town vs Harlow Town, and you’ve got the makings of a cracking opening round.

Elsewhere, Frenford and Halstead Town face challenging away fixtures at Witham Town and Haringey Borough respectively.

Over in the FA Vase, newcomers Lymore Gardens begin their journey with a local derby against Woodford Town, while former winners Romford travel just down the road to face Ilford in another all-ESL showdown.

There are two more intra-league matchups as Barking host Benfleet and Buckhurst Hill make the trip to Basildon United.

Great Wakering Rovers, past FA Vase finalists, will take on Wivenhoe Town, and the tie between Wormley Rovers and Hackney Wick promises fireworks too.

The FA Cup kicks off on the first weekend of August, with FA Vase action following around three weeks later.

While league success is always the top priority, there’s still something magical about these national cup competitions.

Just ask Romford, Great Wakering Rovers, and Stansted, these clubs have shown that with belief and a bit of luck, dreams really can take you all the way to Wembley.

Jimmy Flanagan