Over 300 clubs from Tiers 6 and 7 battled through 143 ties, delivering penalty shoot‑outs, hat‑tricks and double‑digit scores. Beverley Town, Slough Town and Wigan Athletic Women led the charge with dramatic victories that set the tone for the competition.

  • Beverley Town survived an 8‑7 penalty shoot‑out over Sherburn White Rose
  • Slough Town opened scoring in 28 seconds and won 6‑0
  • Wigan Athletic Women advanced with a 10‑0 demolition of Winton Wanderers

Action‑Packed Preliminary Round Overview

On Sunday, 23 August 2026, the 2026‑27 Women’s FA Cup kicked off with 143 ties involving nearly 300 sides from Tier 6 and Tier 7. The early stage delivered a cascade of drama, from nail‑biting penalties to high‑scoring blowouts across the country.

Penalty Dramas and Key Victories

Beverley Town drew 1‑1 with Sherburn White Rose in regular time before edging them 8‑7 on penalties, with goalkeeper Lydia Webb crowned player of the match. Carlisle United survived a 7‑6 shoot‑out against Harrogate Railway, while Shrewsbury Up and Comers won 5‑4 on penalties after a stalemate with Bolehall Swifts.

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Double‑Digit Goals and Dominant Performances

Walsall hammered Inkberrow 18‑0, and Milton Keynes Irish posted an 11‑0 victory over Brackley Town Ladies. Wigan Athletic Women cruised past Winton Wanderers 10‑0, and their sister side, Wigan Athletic Girls and Ladies, defeated Oldham Athletic 4‑1. Woolton, Andover New Street and Berkhamsted also recorded double‑figure tallies.

Hat‑Tricks and Lightning Starts

Amber Saunders of Slough Town struck just 28 seconds into the match against Ashridge Park and completed a hat‑trick as the visitors ran out 6‑0 winners. Beth Jones netted a hat‑trick for Melbourne Dynamo in a 4‑3 win over Woodhall Spa United.

Historical Background

The Women’s FA Cup, founded in 1970, has become the premier knockout competition for English women’s football. Participation from lower‑tier clubs in the preliminary round provides a vital pathway for grassroots teams to showcase talent and earn a spot in the national spotlight.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the intensity of these early‑stage matches signals a deepening talent pool, suggesting that the next five years could see a doubling of competitive standards in women’s football across England.

“The sheer volatility and goal‑richness of the preliminary round hint at a rapid evolution in the women’s game, potentially reshaping the professional landscape,” said football analyst Dr. Priya Patel.
Did You Know?: The inaugural Women’s FA Cup in 1971‑72 was won by Southampton Women, and the competition has grown to include over 400 teams today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many teams will join in the first‑round qualifying?
A1: An additional 61 clubs will enter the competition on 6 September, joining the preliminary round winners.

Q2: Can Tier 6 and Tier 7 clubs advance to the professional tiers?
A2: Successful clubs often earn promotion to higher tiers, giving them the chance to compete at the national level.