Emirates FA Cup – First Qualifying Round
Saturday 30th August, 3:00pm KO – The Brentwood Centre Arena
Brentwood Town begin their Emirates FA Cup journey this weekend as they welcome Leighton Town to the Brentwood Centre Arena for a First Qualifying Round tie.
Both sides come into the contest in fine early-season form, setting up what promises to be a competitive cup clash in Essex.
The Blues
Brentwood Town head into Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie in superb form, having made a great start to life back in the Isthmian Premier Division. Four straight league wins have lifted the Blues to the top of the table after five games, and confidence is high following back-to-back victories over the Bank Holiday weekend.
On Saturday, a determined 2-1 home win against Burgess Hill Town showcased the side’s resilience, before a rampant attacking display on Monday saw Brentwood put Cray Wanderers to the sword with an emphatic 5-1 triumph away from home.
The Blues will now turn their attention to the FA Cup, a competition in which they reached the Second Qualifying Round last season. That run ended in dramatic fashion against Leiston, with Brentwood holding the higher-division side to a 2-2 draw at The Arena before bowing out in the replay.
Keen to go further this time around, the squad will be eager to carry their league momentum onto the FA Cup stage.
The Reds
Visitors Leighton Town arrive in Essex in equally impressive form. After three wins from three at the start of their Southern League Division One Central campaign, the Reds sit second in the table and are brimming with confidence.
Founded in 1885, the Bedfordshire club have enjoyed a rapid rise in recent years, winning the South Midlands League Premier Division title in 2022/23 before settling strongly at Step 4. Under the guidance of manager Paul Reed, Leighton have developed into a well-drilled and ambitious side with one eye on further progression.
Their proudest FA Cup moment came in 2007/08, when they reached the Fourth Qualifying Round, falling just one step short of the First Round Proper. With a squad boasting experience and talent, they will travel to Essex with real belief of causing an upset.
One to watch is striker Sydney Ibie. Signed in the summer from Haringey Borough, the powerful forward has higher league experience with Dagenham & Redbridge and has represented a host of non-league clubs, including Aveley, Billericay Town, Hemel Hempstead Town and Bedford Town. His aerial threat will be a key factor for the visitors.
Final Word
Both Brentwood and Leighton Town come into this tie in red-hot form, making for an intriguing FA Cup battle at the Brentwood Centre Arena. With progression to the Second Qualifying Round at stake, neither side will want to see their momentum halted.
The Blues will be counting on home advantage and their recent attacking sharpness to carry them through, but they know Leighton’s strong start makes them dangerous opponents.
An exciting cup tie awaits, as Brentwood look to continue their fine run and take another step towards a memorable FA Cup journey.
Should the game end in a draw, the replay will take place at the Freed Veneers Community Stadium on Tuesday 2nd September, with a 7:45pm kick-off.
Written by Chris Berry.
