If we beat Bishop’s Stortford on Tuesday, we will play away at Hemel Hempstead Town in the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round.

Ties will take place across the weekend of Saturday 13th September.

Hemel Hempstead are one of 48 Step Two clubs from the National League North and South to enter the competition at this stage.

HOW MANY WINS ARE REQUIRED TO REACH THE FIRST ROUND PROPER?

We will have to win four qualifying rounds to reach the first round of the FA Cup, including the replay against Bishop’s Stortford.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIRST MATCH AGAINST BISHOP’S STORTFORD?

An end-to-end FA Cup clash finished 1-1, with both sides coming close to winning on the day. A lofted through ball from Shaheim Ward found Allen on the right wing, who cut in and curled a left-footed effort into the bottom left corner to give the Pirates a one-goal advantage after 17 minutes.

Bishop’s Stortford were dangerous throughout and levelled the match just before the hour break through Virciglio. In the late stages, Joey Evans came close for the Pirates, while a low cross from T’aizo Marcel-Dilaver just missed Presley Evans and Nahum Melvin-Lambert in the 94th minute.

THE OPPONENTS

If we progress past Bishop’s Stortford, we will face Hemel Hempstead Town, who play in the National League South - a league above the Southern League Premier Central.

The Tudors finished 12th last season, leaving them 17 points away from the play-off positions and 17 points clear of the relegation zone.

They have started the 2025/26 campaign by picking up 11 points from their first six matches. Lee Allinson’s side sit fifth in the National League South, five points behind the league leaders, Hornchurch.

FA CUP PERFORMANCE - 2024/25

We kicked off the 2024/25 season by falling at the first hurdle in the FA Cup. After being placed in the extra preliminary round, the Pirates fell short against St Neots Town at the Ledger Stadium.

Goals from Ben Stevens and Jack Snelus were not enough, as the visitors secured a late 3-2 victory through a Jacques Kpohomouh own goal.

Extra Preliminary Round - Real Bedford 2-3 St Neots Town