26/27 FA CUP & FA VASE DRAWS REVEALED

The Hoops found out their opponents for the first rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase yesterday afternoon with some exciting ties announced in both competitions.

FA CUP

In tie Number 5 of 219 Extra Preliminary Round matches, the Hoops will face Bishop Auckland at home, just ten days before the exact same fixture in the league. The Bishops are back in the Northern League Division One having won the league three seasons ago and we are looking forward to heading back to Heritage Park later in the season.

Should we progress from that tie, we will face a trip to regular opponents Crook Town or Pickering Town. We have faced Crook on multiple occasions over recent years but it would be a first ever trip to Pickering Town who are based just South of the North York Moors National Park, and as I have been reliably informed, it is very close to Flamingo Land which has particularly excited the Club Secretary.

FA VASE

The Hoops have received a First Qualifying Round bye in this season’s FA Vase meaning a week off on Saturday 15th. On that day Whickham will be hosting Newcastle University with the winner of that tie earning the right to host Birtley on Saturday 12th September. The Hoops have fond memories of Whickham away from last season when we triumphed 5-0 in the Boxing Day derby classic. However should Newcastle University progress then it would be the first meeting with the Hoops since March 2023 where Birtley triumphed 6-0.

Also a reminder we have lots of pre-season action coming up starting this afternoon with a trip to face Annfield Plain. You can see all four of our home pre-season games for just £15 for Adults or £6 for Concessions with U18s in free to all home pre-season games.

We look forward to seeing you over the coming weeks as we warm up for the new campaign.

UP THE HOOPS