FA Sunday Cup: THIRD ROUND Preview

North Solihull Athletic vs CFA - West Midlands v East Midlands

Rubery Athletico vs Birstall Stamford FC - West Midlands v East Midlands

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FA Sunday Cup 2022/23 Winners - Troopers FC (Birmingham)

What is the FA Sunday Cup, and why is it important?

The FA Sunday Cup is a national knockout football competition in England, organised by the Football Association (FA) exclusively for grassroots Sunday League teams, offering them a chance to compete on a larger stage since its inception in 1964. It plays a vital role in grassroots football by showcasing the talent and passion of Sunday League teams, which form the backbone of the amateur game, and providing a platform for underdogs to compete against the nation’s best. The competition fosters community engagement, emphasising the social and recreational value of grassroots football while inspiring players, coaches, and clubs to strive for excellence. By spotlighting amateur teams, the FA Sunday Cup celebrates grassroots football’s ability to nurture talent, build community spirit, and keep the love of the game alive.

And then there were four…

Leicestershire is taking the FA Sunday Cup by storm this year, with Birstall Stamford, CFA, Long Whatton, and West End all powering into the third round. For CFA, it’s a breakthrough moment as they reach this stage for the first time. The third round is set to deliver high-stakes action, including two fiery East vs West Midlands showdowns and an all-Leicestershire clash. But who are these teams, and how did they earn their place in the spotlight?

BIRSTALL STAMFORD FC

The 2019 finalists Birstall Stamford are determined to return to the FA Sunday Cup last 16 but face a tough test against West Midlands side Rubery Athletico, who impressed with a commanding 5-1 second round victory over The Queens Head FC. Birstall’s path has been anything but straightforward, battling past Leicester & Charnwood Premier side Braunstone Athletic and edging out 2023 Arthur Moore Cup winners Sporting Dynamo in a tense penalty shootout. Their resilience sets the stage for another compelling East vs West Midlands clash in the third round.

1st Round: Braunstone Athletic FC 2 - 4 Birstall Stamford FC

2nd Round: Birstall Stamford FC 2 (5) - (4) 2 Sporting Dynamo FC

League Position: 4th (P1 W1 0D 0L)

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Community Football Academy (CFA) 

Two-time Billy Walton Cup winners (2016 and 2024), CFA have displayed grit and determination on their journey to the FA Sunday Cup third round. They began with a commanding 3-0 win over FC Monday, rivals in the Alliance Football League Premier, before making a statement with a resounding 5-0 away victory against North Kilworth FC, bouncing back from last year’s second round exit to Northampton’s AFC Hackleton. Next, they take on Birmingham’s North Solihull Athletic, currently 4th in the Oakbourne & Coronation Football League, in one of this weekend’s intriguing East vs West Midlands showdowns.

1st Round: FC Monday 0 - 3 CFA

2nd Round: North Kilworth FC 0 - 5 CFA

League Position: 5th (P5 3W 0D 2L)

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LONG WHATTON FC

Long Whatton FC, former 2017 County Cup champions, have enjoyed a strong FA Sunday Cup run with a 3-1 home win over Poet Young Boys FC, and a dominant 4-0 away victory over ANP Internazionale FC. They’ll be looking to equal their best run in the competition (fourth round), however, they now face a determined West End FC in what promises to be a fiercely contested local clash. 

1st Round: Long Whatton FC 3 - 1 Poet Young Boys FC

2nd Round: ANP Internazionale FC 0 - 4 Long Whatton FC

League Position: 5th (P2 0W 1D 1L)

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WEST END FC 

The 2023/24 Leicester & Charnwood League Premier champions, West End FC, are on the brink of equalling their best-ever FA Sunday Cup run, having reached the fourth round last season. Their campaign began with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Showtime Mash in the first round, followed by a hard-fought 2-0 victory over NEBA FC in the second. Now, they face Long Whatton FC, with a place in the last 16—and back-to-back appearances at that stage—firmly in their sights.

1st Round: Showtime Mash 1 (2) - (4) 1 West End FC

2nd Round: NEBA FC 0 - 2 West End FC

League Position: 3rd (P2 1W 0D 1L)

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Memorable Moments

2023/24 FA Sunday Cup Final:

Last season's FA Sunday Cup Final saw Trooper FC claim the title with a 2-1 comeback victory over Home Bargains at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke. Despite falling behind to a Thomas Owens goal for the Liverpool side, Trooper, representing Solihull, rallied with second-half strikes from Danico Johnson and Simeon Cobourne. The match showcased the best of Sunday League football, with Trooper’s resilient defence securing their win in the closing stages.

2022/23 FA Sunday Cup Final:

At Derby's Pride Park, St Joseph’s (Luton) secured the 2022-23 FA Sunday Cup in a pulsating 3-2 victory over Aigburth Arms (Liverpool). The game began with Aigburth taking the lead, but McCafferty’s first-half equaliser brought St Joseph’s back into contention. Watkins then fired them ahead in the second half, and they clung to a 2-1 lead as the clock hit 90 minutes.  

The drama peaked in added time. Aigburth equalised with a 93rd-minute penalty, seemingly forcing extra time. But in the final moments, Blake delivered the decisive blow, scoring a last-minute winner to seal the trophy for St Joseph’s in a breathtaking finale.

2021/22 FA Sunday Cup Final

East London’s Baiteze FC, known for their YouTube presence with over 150,000 subscribers, claimed their first FA Sunday Cup title in 2021-22 with a 2-0 victory over Highgate Albion at Millwall’s Den. A third-minute strike from Shomari Barnwell set the tone, and a late goal from Chakka Barnett sealed the win, showcasing the team’s flair both on the pitch and online.

Written by Rukanah Mogra