The Emirates FA Cup returns to The New Inn Stadium on Saturday as Petts Wood & Holmesdale welcome Windsor & Eton in a huge First Qualifying Round tie.

With a place in the next round at stake, the Dale will be looking to continue what has already been a memorable journey in this season’s competition.

The road to the First Qualifying Round:

Our Journey began with a clash against Tooting & Mitcham. The first of two games looked like Tooting & Mitcham had done enough to scrape through with a 1-2 away win, but Dale had other ideas, Tunmise Akkani snatched an equaliser at the death and sent it to a replay! On the Tuesday night it was Dale's day. The dream start with Charlie Clover scoring an early brace. The home side pulled it back in the final ten minutes, however the calmest man in the room Lewis Heywood, won himself a penalty and slotted it home. Sending us through to the next round!

Our last outing in the Emirates FA Cup produced one of the standout results of the season so far.
Travelling away to Raynes Park Vale, the Dale produced an incredible performance to come away with a 1-5 victory and book our place in the First Qualifying Round.

Five goals on the road saw us progress in emphatic fashion and set up Saturday’s home tie against Windsor & Eton.

Now, attention turns to The New Inn Stadium and another opportunity to make our mark in the competition.

The Dale come into the cup tie looking to respond after a dramatic SCEFL Premier Division encounter against AFC Greenwich Borough.
In a thrilling local derby, Petts Wood & Holmesdale were narrowly beaten 3-4, despite a hard-fought performance in a game packed with action.

Saturday provides the perfect opportunity to put that result behind us and return to winning ways on the big stage.

The competition has already delivered some unforgettable moments for Petts Wood & Holmesdale this season and everyone connected with the club will be hoping for another memorable afternoon at The New Inn Stadium.

With home advantage behind us and progression at stake, the Dale will be determined to give everything from the first whistle.

Written by Caolan Commane
PWHFC Media Contributor