The Opposing View – Petts Wood & Holmesdale FC vs Windsor & Eton, FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round, Sat 05th Sept 2026 with Matt Stevens, Windsor & Eton FC Programme Editor

Club Background & Identity

Nik: To start us off, could you give us a short background history of Windsor & Eton FC and what defines the club today?
Matt: This is our 4th season. We play on Crown Estate land in Windsor Great Park. Football has been played at Stag Meadow for 100+ years. We started off at Step 7 and managed to get out of that level at the first attempt. It was a tough season, but gave us a good grounding - local club, local people. We were the big fish, but worked really hard as supporters to be respectful and embrace the experience.
Step 6 was ridiculous. So many games. We had an amazing run of victories from September onwards and didn’t look back. We won the division. Last season was tougher, but we were neck and neck with the eventual league winners and were excellent in the play offs, winning those and getting promoted to Step 4. Our club is about community & togetherness. Everyone wanting to be successful on the pitch, but at the same time loving seeing the addition of new teams each season under the WEFC umbrella and new faces around the ground.

Nik: In your opinion, what’s one thing about Windsor & Eton that people outside the club never realise, but really should?
Matt: We aren’t in London and we don’t all shop at Waitrose! Seriously, you’ll be surprised at the experience you have at Stag Meadow. We are all so very down to earth.

Last Season and Form

Nik: How would you sum up last season for Windsor & Eton, what were the main highs and lows from your perspective?
Matt: Supporters thought the season would be tougher than previous and we might need a couple of seasons to adjust. But we were excellent. Resilient & really tough to beat. Our biggest regret was probably getting beaten on pens in the Vase at home against Fisher, but we traded that for an amazing Play Off final win!

Nik: How has this season started for Windsor & Eton?
Matt: We look good. Still incredibly resilient, but with more attacking umpf about us. Who knows how good we are compared to the more established Step 4 sides, but we can beat anyone.

FA Cup Focus

Nik: The FA Cup means something different to every club. What does the competition represent for Windsor & Eton and your supporters?
Matt: Away days! Days out somewhere different than the norm.

Nik: Do you have a favourite FA Cup memory involving Windsor & Eton?
Matt: The original Windsor & Eton had many FA Cup matches and we all have our memories growing up. I had my original WEFC flag grabbed by scruffy Herbert’s at Chatham in the early 2000s and David (Chopper) and I lumped on WEFC at Ladbrokes to beat Folkestone away in the early 2000s (we drew 0-0)…having driven from Liverpool to watch the game.

The Weekend’s Tie

Nik: What do you know (if anything) about Petts Wood & Holmesdale or as we were until last season, Holmesdale 1956 FC?
Matt: Only what I have Google searched. A Youth based club merged with a more established Senior club to form a more modern club. Youth is the future! And you play in that tough SE division with the likes of Tunbridge(Wells) and Bearsted.

Nik: What are your thoughts on the upcoming match between the two sides and will you be brave enough to give us a score prediction?
Matt: We can beat anyone. I’m not shying away. We are a good team. It’s 11 v 11 though and we have to work harder than you first off. 1-3 to WEFC.

Fun One to Finish

Nik: If Windsor & Eton could sign one player from the last FIFA World Cup, who would it be and why… and we’re banning the obvious superstar choices (Messi, Ronaldo, Ballon d’Or nominees), so you’ll have to get creative for this one?
Matt: Probably one of the Swiss attackers. The lad who came on as a sub a couple of times had frightening pace and feet! Every club needs a match winner, someone who can do something special. (Admin note - we’re pretty sure he means Johan Manzambi, now of Aston Villa)

Nik: Cheers Matt. We'll see you Saturday!