Mark Williams has overseen a remarkable rise at Buckhurst Hill, guiding the club from a local Step 8 league to competing in the Isthmian North division. The Stags marked their Step 4 arrival with a 2-0 home win against Grays Athletic in front of 235 spectators earlier this season. Now, the club prepares for its FA Cup first qualifying round match against United Counties League side Yaxley, hoping to advance further than ever before.
Williams, who has managed Buckhurst Hill throughout this progression, called the current stage “surreal,” reflecting on how few expected the club to reach this level within seven or eight years. Buckhurst Hill has yet to move beyond the first qualifying round in the FA Cup, but Williams sees this fixture as an opportunity to continue making history. He acknowledged the pros and cons of the draw, noting the appeal of either facing a higher-level team at home to attract a larger crowd or matching up with a club of similar or slightly lower standing to increase chances of victory.
The Stags earned their place in the first qualifying round with a 2-1 victory over Step 4 side Biggleswade in the preliminary round. That win came courtesy of a late free-kick from Callum Maltese, following an equalizing penalty from Sulley Zuhdu that cancelled out Lawrie Marsh’s opener. Williams described the week leading into that game as challenging, having been knocked out of two other cup competitions, but praised his team’s resilience and ability to take control in the second half.
Williams emphasized the importance of the FA Cup as a prestigious competition that offers exposure and recognition for clubs at all levels. He said that a strong cup run can significantly boost a club’s profile and called for all teams to treat the tournament with respect.
Meanwhile, Broadfields United, a Combined Counties League Premier Division North team, have experienced an intense and unexpected FA Cup journey in August. The club played five ties within the month, including an unusual series against Step 4 Herne Bay. After initially losing an extra preliminary replay 6-1, Broadfields were granted a third match following an FA ruling that Herne Bay made an illegal substitution. Broadfields then advanced past Corinthian after drawing at home and winning 1-0 away, with Max Holland scoring the decisive goal.
Ryan Duffy, Broadfields’ match secretary and coach, described the hectic schedule as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for players and staff. Though acknowledging their slim chances of winning the FA Cup, he stressed the significance of participating in such a globally recognized competition. The club also values the financial rewards of progressing, which, while not transformative, provide important support at their level.
Broadfields now face a Step 3 side, Chichester, at Tithe Farm in the first qualifying round after playing a record ten fixtures in August. Duffy anticipates the game will be a memorable event for the club as they chase their best FA Cup run yet.
In other FA Cup news, Trafford celebrated a victory over Runcorn Linnets, marking another highlight in the competition’s early stages.