FA Cup second round draw in full: Non-league minnows book huge ties, the magic of the FA Cup always lies in its ability to deliver David vs Goliath moments, a space where tiny, grassroots clubs can dream of giant-killing days, where league status doesn’t guarantee safety, and where an away trip to a big stadium can become the highlight of a season.
With the draw for the second round of the 2025-26 competition now complete, the remaining 40 clubs have discovered their next opponents and several non-league outfits have landed headline-worthy ties. This stage marks the final hurdle before the big guns from the Premier League and Championship enter in the third round, and the fixtures promise drama, opportunity and perhaps a few upsets.
FA Cup second round draw in full: Non-league minnows book huge ties-Overview
| Article on | FA Cup second round draw in full: Non-league minnows book huge ties |
| Round Dates | December 5–8, 2025 |
| Lowest-Ranked Team | Slough Town (Sixth Tier) |
| Top Non-League Ties | Gateshead vs Walsall, Slough Town vs Macclesfield |
| Prize for Winners | £79,500 |
| Next Stage | Third Round – Premier League & Championship teams enter |
Non-League Sides Still Standing
One of the most compelling storylines coming out of the first round is the survival of multiple non-league clubs who defied the odds. As reported by The Independent, clubs such as Carlisle United, Gateshead and Boreham Wood with varying levels of league affiliation or non-league status secured wins to progress. Notably, Gateshead knocked out AFC Wimbledon, earning them a home tie against Walsall. Meanwhile, Slough Town – the lowest-ranked side remaining (in the sixth tier) will host Macclesfield, offering a vivid example of the Cup’s enduring magic.
The Draw in Full
Here’s the full list of second-round ties, which are set for the weekend of December 5-8 (2025).
- Slough Town vs Macclesfield FC
- Grimsby Town vs Wealdstone
- Sutton United vs Shrewsbury Town
- Swindon Town vs Bolton Wanderers
- Chelmsford City vs Weston-Super-Mare
- Peterborough United vs Barnsley
- Boreham Wood vs Newport County
- MK Dons vs Oldham Athletic
- Wigan Athletic vs Barrow
- Fleetwood Town vs Luton Town
- Salford City vs Tamworth or Leyton Orient
- Accrington Stanley vs Mansfield Town
- Stockport County vs Cambridge United
- Brackley Town vs Burton Albion
- Blackpool vs Carlisle United
- Gateshead vs Walsall
- Exeter City vs Wycombe Wanderers
- Cheltenham Town vs Buxton
- Chesterfield vs Doncaster Rovers
- Port Vale vs Bristol Rovers
Highlight Ties & What They Mean
Gateshead vs Walsall: A standout for many, given that Gateshead achieved a shock first-round victory over a League One club. They’ll now host Walsall, the League Two leaders, a major opportunity to progress further.
Carlisle United at Blackpool: Carlisle made waves by coming from behind to beat Reading and will now take on League One side Blackpool away. A tough trip — but the kind that defines Cup history.
Slough Town vs Macclesfield: As the lowest-ranked team left (sixth tier), Slough hosting Macclesfield is a pure “underdog” scenario. Win, and they head into the third round potentially against a top-tier opponent.
The Stakes at This Stage
At this juncture of the competition, the rewards stretch beyond simply progressing. According to Sportbible, there is notable prize money on the line: winners of the second round pick up £79,500, while losers still earn £21,200. For non-league clubs, that kind of financial injection can be significant. Furthermore, reaching the third round means the possibility of facing a Premier League giant, televised exposure, increased gate receipts and a boost in club profile.
The Road Ahead: Third Round & Beyond
The draw reinforces that the third round when clubs from the Premier League and Championship join is not far off. The winners of the second round will move into that spotlight, and for many non-league survivors, it’s the dream stage.
Why This Draw Matters
- Undefeated opportunity for non-league clubs: The draw preserves chances for smaller clubs to advance, which keeps the magic alive.
- Potential TV and crowd magic: With the bigger clubs coming in next round, many second-round ties will drive local excitement and possibly television coverage for the “minnows”.
- Financial & reputational reward: Progressing means more than just glory it means revenue, recognition and often, a lifeline for smaller clubs.
- Foundation for classic FA Cup narratives: From Slough Town’s home tie to Carlisle’s upset disguised in a draw, this round presents the perfect stage for stories that resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The matches are scheduled for the weekend of December 5–8, 2025.
Slough Town, from the sixth tier, are the lowest-ranked side remaining.
Winners receive £79,500, while losers earn £21,200.
Clubs like Gateshead, Slough Town, and Boreham Wood have drawn exciting fixtures against Football League opponents.
Key ties include Gateshead vs Walsall, Slough Town vs Macclesfield, and Carlisle United vs Blackpool.