Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Saturday 10^th August 2025 | Ardley Playing Fields

Burnham travel to Ardley near Bicester in Oxfordshire for the preliminary round 2025 Emirates FA Cup following their victory over local rivals Holyport at the beginning of the month. Traditionally one of the earliest games of the season, The blues beat Holyport 3-2 at The 1878 Stadium in the Extra Preliminary Round of this historic cup competition. Shyon Dennis grabbing a brace and a penalty conversion by David Bamidele sealing Holyport’s fate on the day.

The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is an annual knockout football competition in domestic English football. First played during the 1871–72 season, it’s the oldest national football competition in the world.  Holyport, Burnham and Ardley United all compete in the Combined Counties Football League Premier Division North. So we know each other fairly well considering the many transfers all teams endure throughout the summer months.

This cup competition though is known for it’s upsets. Neutral fans of football always seemingly backing the underdog. When it comes to Ardley United, founded in 1945, taking on Burnham Football Club’s first eleven there simply isn’t an underdog. So this weekend’s match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams who play with grit and determination, flare and passion.

Kick off is 15:00 or 3pm in old money. Admission prices and visitor information will be published via the Ardley United Social profiles.