Five potential giant-killings in the FA Cup First Round Proper

 

Wimborne Town are one of several Non-League clubs hoping to upset EFL opposition


The FA Cup First Round Proper draw was made on 19 October, throwing up some intriguing ties and giving Non-League clubs the chance to test themselves against Football League opposition.

EFL clubs enter the competition at this stage, and while there are several all-Non-League ties guaranteeing lower-league representation in Round Two, the biggest stories could come from those hoping to upset the odds.

There have been plenty of famous FA Cup shocks involving non-League sides over the years, and this season's draw has served up several fixtures where another upset could be on the cards.

Here are five ties with the greatest potential for a giant-killing.

 

1.    1. Wimborne Town v Crawley Town

The Southern Premier South side have been given a home tie against a side three leagues above in Crawley Town, but will fancy their chances.

A big home crowd is expected for the visit of The Red Devils to the Wyatt Homes Stadium, but that only tells half the story.

Crawley have had a torrid start to their league campaign and sit bottom of League Two. While Colin Kazim Richards’ side (that still feels strange to type out) may view this fixture as a bit of respite from the league, the hosts will undoubtedly fancy their chances – don’t be surprised to see Tim Sills’ Magpies pull off a victory.

 

2.     2. Eastleigh v Shrewsbury Town

The Spitfires scraped past Step 3 opposition Brentwood Town at home in the last round, and have been rewarded for their comeback with a home tie against League Two Shrewsbury.

The visitors have had an indifferent start to their League Two campaign, and this could be a classic example of a team from the league below taking their chance against EFL opposition.

Although Eastleigh sit an unimpressive 17th in the National League, Matt Gray’s side will relish the occasion and fight for a victory to move them one step closer to the coveted Third Round.

 

3.     3. Boreham Wood v Wigan Athletic

Luke Garrard’s Boreham Wood have been handed a home tie against League One Wigan Athletic, and the National League side will see no reason why they cannot cause an upset.

The Wood, currently top of the National League, have plenty of recent FA Cup pedigree, having reached the fifth round in 2022, when they defeated Bournemouth before eventually losing to Everton at Goodison Park.

Wigan, meanwhile, have endured mixed fortunes in recent seasons following their financial difficulties and relegation from the Championship. Although they remain a Football League club, Boreham Wood have shown in the past that they can compete against sides from higher divisions.

With home advantage and the backing of their supporters at Meadow Park, the hosts will be hopeful of another memorable afternoon in the competition.

 

4.     4. Oxford City v Leicester City

Oxford City have arguably been handed one of the most exciting draws of the round, with 2021 winners and former Premier League champions Leicester City travelling to the MGroup Stadium.

The Hoops will face a considerable challenge against a side with vastly greater resources and a squad packed with players accustomed to competing at a higher level. However, the magic of the FA Cup means that the hosts can dream of a famous upset.

Leicester's recent struggles have demonstrated that reputations count for little once a match gets underway, and the pressure will be firmly on the visitors to avoid an embarrassing exit against National League North opposition.

 

5. Kidderminster Harriers v Doncaster Rovers

Kidderminster Harriers have been rewarded for their progress in the competition with a home tie against League One Doncaster Rovers, giving the National League North side an opportunity to test themselves against higher-level opposition.

The Harriers are no strangers to FA Cup headlines, having reached the fifth round in 1994 and famously pushed Premier League West Ham United close in 2022, losing only in extra time.

Aggborough should provide an excellent atmosphere for the occasion, and the hosts will be keen to use their home advantage to unsettle Doncaster. The visitors have the advantage in terms of league status and squad depth, but cup football has repeatedly shown that those advantages do not always translate into results.

 

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