Salisbury FC With Chance to Progress to FA Cup 1st Round

Friday, 16 October 2026 10:49

Salisbury FC are one match away from facing a big football league club in the FA Cup.

Tomorrow's (17th October) FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round match against Eastbourne Borough offers Brian Dutton's side the chance to face a club like Leicester City, the 2016 Premier League champions.

Salisbury boss Dutton warns against getting ahead of themselves, although they face lower-league opposition at the Ray Mac.

He told Salisbury Radio, "They're coming into the game full of confidence, just as Dulwich were, in truth. But maybe a little bit more confidence.

"We definitely won't be taking them lightly. Nine wins on the bounce is very difficult to do in any division. We will treat them with the utmost respect, but we won't lose sight of what great form we're in."

You can listen to Brian Dutton's full interview with Andy Munns here:

Eastbourne come into the game with nine straight wins and haven't lost since the end of August.

So far in the FA Cup, they have overcome Whitehawk, Windsor and Eton and most recently Thame United in a 1-0 away win.

To reach the fourth qualifying round, Salisbury have beaten Taunton Town (4-1) and, in the last round, Dulwich Hamlet (5-0). Both teams play at the same level (Step 3) of non-league football.

League 1 and League 2 clubs join the competition in the first round, with the tantalising possibility of former Premier League Clubs including Leicester City, Reading, Bradford City or more local sides like Bristol Rovers or Swindon Town.

A bumper crowd is anticipated at the Ray Mac on Saturday afternoon, with advance ticket sales much higher than usual. Supporters are reminded to buy tickets before heading to the turnstiles, either on the club's website or at the ground's ticket office.

Get your tickets in advance here: https://www.salisburyfc.co.uk/

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