East Grinstead Town pulled off a notable FA Cup upset on Saturday, 22 August 2026, beating higher-division Bognor Regis Town 2-1 at Nyewood Lane. The visitors showed great composure to overturn an early deficit and secure their place in the next qualifying round.

Bognor Regis Town started with intent and took a deserved lead inside the opening twenty minutes. Their forward play was crisp and direct, and the home fans sensed a comfortable afternoon ahead. But East Grinstead adjusted well, tightened their midfield shape, and began to creep back into the contest.

East Grinstead turn the tie

The equaliser arrived just before half-time. A dangerous free-kick from wide was allowed to travel through the box and was turned in at the far post. That goal transformed the atmosphere and gave the visitors genuine belief. The second half saw East Grinstead defend with discipline and break with speed when opportunities came.

The decisive moment arrived with around twenty minutes remaining. A rapid counter-attack carved open the home defence, and the visiting forward made no mistake, driving low into the far corner. Bognor pushed forward late in search of an equaliser, and the home side thought they had found one when a header was ruled out for a foul, sparking loud appeals from the Nyewood Lane stands.

A result to remember

For East Grinstead, this victory represents a bright moment in their FA Cup journey and a memorable night for the travelling support. Bognor Regis Town, meanwhile, must quickly dust themselves down and refocus on their league campaign. This result is a reminder that in the FA Cup, the form book means very little once the whistle blows.