The FA Cup first round proper kicks off this weekend with 31 ties at 3pm GMT on Saturday, and the competition's early rounds offer proper football drama. This stage marks the entry of League One and League Two clubs, but the spotlight remains on non-league sides battling for a place in the second round and a potential money-spinning clash with a giant.
With no VAR in operation, the first round retains its raw, unfiltered appeal. Here's what to look out for in the ties that matter.
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Why the FA Cup First Round Still Matters
The first round proper is where the Football League's bottom two divisions join the party, but it's the non-league clubs that capture the imagination. For many, a run in the FA Cup can fund a season, boost morale, and etch their name into folklore.
This weekend's fixtures are no exception. From former giant-killers to authentic community clubs, the stories are rich and the stakes are high.
Macclesfield's Giant-Killing Legacy
Macclesfield Town may be gone, but the town's current club, Macclesfield FC, is writing its own history. In January, the National League North side achieved one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history by knocking out holders Crystal Palace in the third round.
Now, John Rooney's team heads through the Pennines to face Mansfield Town, a club with a similar-sounding name but a different identity. The two towns are often confused—Macclesfield in Cheshire, Mansfield in Nottinghamshire—and the match adds another chapter to their unique connection.
Macclesfield's sporting director is Keith Curle, a former Mansfield manager, while current Stags boss Nigel Clough was Curle's England teammate at Euro 92. That tournament is best forgotten for England fans, but the reunion adds a layer of intrigue to the tie.
Marine: Merseyside's Proper Football Club
Marine FC, based in Crosby, bills itself as Merseyside's most authentic football club—a bold claim given the presence of Everton and Liverpool. But there's truth to it. Rossett Park, with its legendary manager Roly Howard who served for 33 years, offers a throwback experience: a pie and a pint, standing on the terraces, and football in its purest form.
On Saturday, Marine travels to Bradford City, a League Two side with its own proud history. The Bantams will be wary of an upset, and Marine will relish the underdog tag.
Other Ties to Watch
While Mansfield v Macclesfield and Bradford City v Marine headline the round, several other ties promise intrigue. Non-league clubs up and down the country will dream of a second-round draw against a big name.
Keep an eye on clubs from the National League and below—they've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- No VAR: The first round is played without video technology, preserving the raw emotion of the cup.
- Non-league focus: Clubs from outside the Football League are fighting for glory and financial rewards.
- Macclesfield's momentum: After beating Crystal Palace, they'll believe they can go on another run.
- Marine's authenticity: A trip to Rossett Park is a reminder of football's roots.
- 31 ties: With so many matches, there's plenty of drama to follow across the weekend.
How the First Round Works
| Stage | Teams Involved | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Round Proper | League One, League Two, and non-league qualifiers | 31 ties, no VAR, 3pm GMT Saturday |
| Second Round | Winners from first round | Draw follows first round |
| Third Round | Premier League and Championship clubs enter | Potential giant-killings |
The first round is the foundation of the FA Cup's magic. It's where dreams are born and heroes are made. The background to this story is set out in Manchester City's Doomsday Future: A Look at Non-League Football. A related thread runs through Carabao Cup First Round Results: West Ham, Burnley, Millwall.
What to Watch Next
As the ties unfold, keep an eye on the non-league sides. A shock result can change a club's trajectory. And for fans of proper football, the first round is unmissable. Earlier coverage in Middlesbrough 1-0 Wrexham: Carabao Cup First Round Result and shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal: Carabao Cup Fourth Round Preview.
For those who enjoy live updates, our live football updates: Bolton, Middlesbrough coverage offers real-time scores and analysis from other fixtures. Meanwhile, Spain's recent dominance shows how collective principles can elevate a team—a lesson for underdogs everywhere, as discussed in Spain's football dominance built on collective principles.
The FA Cup first round reminds us why we love the game. Stay tuned for more coverage and results. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Gaming: latest articles. The same theme surfaces in Coventry Win at Everton Could Seal Premier League Survival, which takes a different angle.
FAQ
When is the FA Cup first round?
The first round proper takes place over the long weekend, with 31 ties kicking off at 3pm GMT on Saturday.
Is VAR used in the FA Cup first round?
No, VAR is not in operation for first-round ties, adding to the traditional atmosphere.
Which non-league clubs are in the first round?
Clubs from the National League and below who have qualified through the earlier rounds, including Macclesfield and Marine.
What was Macclesfield's biggest FA Cup shock?
In January, Macclesfield knocked out holders Crystal Palace in the third round, one of the competition's greatest upsets.
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