The magic of the FA Cup returns this weekend as clubs from across the non-league pyramid prepare for their moment in the spotlight, with giant-killings, historic occasions, and Second Round places at stake.
The Emirates FA Cup reaches one of its most eagerly anticipated stages this weekend, as the First Round Proper brings together clubs from League One, League Two and the non-league pyramid for another chapter in the world's oldest national football competition.
For many non-league clubs, simply reaching this stage represents a significant achievement. Months of preparation, qualifying-round victories and memorable afternoons have brought them to within touching distance of a place in the Second Round, with the opportunity to create a little history along the way.
The 2026/27 competition has already produced its fair share of drama, but with Football League opposition now entering the picture, the stakes are about to become considerably higher.
With 40 fixtures involving non-league clubs scheduled between Friday and Monday, there will be no shortage of opportunities for an upset.
A Huge Occasion for Oxford City
One of the standout fixtures of the round takes place on Friday evening, when Oxford City welcome Leicester City in a tie that will attract attention well beyond the non-league game.
The National League North side will face opponents who lifted the FA Cup as recently as 2021, providing a significant challenge for the hosts against a side currently struggling in League One.
For Oxford City, the opportunity to welcome a club with Leicester's pedigree is exactly what makes the competition so special. It is a chance for the players to test themselves against higher-level opposition and for supporters to enjoy an occasion that will live long in the memory.
Leicester will arrive as strong favourites on paper, but the beauty of this competition is that reputations count for very little once the whistle blows.
With the match being broadcast live on TNT Sports on Friday evening, Oxford City have the perfect stage on which to showcase their club.
Oxford City defeated Dorchester Town, Enfield and Torquay United on their way to the First Round Proper.
History Beckons for Cray Wanderers
Cray Wanderers are preparing for a landmark occasion as they welcome Stockport County, having reached the First Round Proper for the first time in their history.
The London club have navigated a demanding qualifying campaign to earn their opportunity against Football League opposition, and there will be plenty of excitement surrounding the fixture.
Stockport will be expected to progress, but Cray have already demonstrated the resilience required to survive the earlier rounds.
Their reward is a home tie against League One opposition, with the match selected for live coverage on BBC Two and TNT Sports on Sunday afternoon.
Whatever the outcome, reaching this stage is an achievement that deserves recognition.
Cray Wanderers had to get past all of Lewes, Maidstone United, Chippenham Town and Bedford Town on their way to the First Round Proper which included two replays and a penalty shootout.
Two Clubs, One Historic Opportunity
Plymouth Parkway and Berkhamsted will both be experiencing the First Round Proper for the first time when they meet in an all-non-league encounter on Monday evening.
Rather than facing Football League opposition, the two clubs have been paired together, guaranteeing that one of them will continue their remarkable journey into the Second Round.
It is perhaps one of the most intriguing fixtures of the weekend, with neither club wanting to let such a rare opportunity slip away. The fixture will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, with the Second Round draw also taking place ahead of kick-off.
There has been some uproar over the fixture, however, with broadcasters seemingly forcing a part-time club to travel to Devon on a Monday evening. If they repeat their heroic performance from the last round away at Southend United there may no longer be any complaints from the Berko fans.
Elsewhere, Dover Athletic face Wealdstone, Guiseley welcome Sutton United, and Salisbury take on Sholing in further all-non-league encounters.
Those fixtures may not attract the same national attention as a potential giant-killing, but they offer something equally valuable: the certainty of further non-league representation in the next round.
Can the Underdogs Deliver?
There are plenty of opportunities for a famous upset elsewhere in the draw.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds travel to Burton Albion, while Harborough Town face Leyton Orient and Worcester City make the journey to Colchester United.
Wimborne Town and the in-form Joe Smith will be hoping to make home advantage count against Crawley Town, while Stafford Rangers welcome Grimsby Town in another fixture that captures the spirit of the competition.
Both Stafford Rangers and Wimborne Town have been selected for live television coverage on Sunday, giving their players the opportunity to perform in front of a national audience.