Forest Row and Newhaven could not be separated as they played out a tense 0-0 draw in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on 8 August 2026. The south coast non-league sides produced a competitive, hard-working cup tie that saw plenty of effort but very few clear chances, leaving the tie perfectly poised ahead of a replay.

Match overview

Newhaven arrived as the side with more recent cup pedigree, but it was Forest Row who started with the greater urgency. The home side pressed aggressively from the opening minutes, forcing Newhaven onto the back foot and creating a couple of early half-chances. However, Newhaven’s experience showed as they gradually steadied themselves and began to control the tempo of the game.

The visitors enjoyed the better of the second half, with their wide players causing problems for the Forest Row full-backs. Yet despite sustained pressure, the home defence stood firm. Forest Row also threatened on the break, with a late counter-attack almost producing a winner, but the final shot was gathered comfortably by the Newhaven goalkeeper.

Key moments

• Forest Row’s fast start almost paid off when a snapshot from the edge of the box flew narrowly over the bar.
• Newhaven came closest to breaking the deadlock with a header from a corner that was cleared off the line.
• In the dying minutes, Forest Row broke quickly through the middle, only for the decisive shot to be dragged wide of the far post.

Tactical story

Forest Row set up to make life difficult for Newhaven, pressing in packs and looking to win the ball high up the pitch. Newhaven, by contrast, were patient in possession and looked to move Forest Row around with quick passing combinations. The contrast in styles made for an absorbing contest, but neither team was able to find the cutting edge needed to settle the tie.

Standout players

For Forest Row, the central midfield pairing stood out with their relentless energy and ability to win second balls. Newhaven’s goalkeeper was also impressive, making a key save in the first half and claiming crosses confidently throughout. At the back, Forest Row’s defence worked as a unit to frustrate their more experienced opponents, and their organisation was a major reason the clean sheet was preserved.

What the draw means

A goalless draw in the FA Cup always leaves a sense of unfinished business, and this tie is no different. Both clubs will feel that they can win the replay, with Forest Row encouraged by their overall performance and Newhaven determined to make their extra quality count. For the neutrals, it was an absorbing cup tie; for the two clubs, it is simply a 90-minute rehearsal for the real battle still to come.