The 2026-27 FA Cup campaign kicked off in earnest on Saturday, 8 August 2026, as Holyport F.C. and Wallingford Crowmarsh played out a tense goalless draw in the extra preliminary round. With a place in the next qualifying stage at stake, both sides produced a scrappy, hard-fought contest that ultimately left the tie finely balanced and in need of a replay.

Match summary

Neither side could find a breakthrough at a rain-soaked home ground, where defensive organisation and midfield discipline trumped attacking flair. Holyport, enjoying home advantage, saw more of the ball in the opening half-hour, but Wallingford Crowmarsh’s compact shape limited clear-cut chances. The visitors grew into the game after the interval and forced a string of saves from the Holyport goalkeeper, yet the scoreline remained stubbornly level.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Holyport’s winger cut inside from the left and curled an effort just wide of the far post.
• 38th minute: Wallingford Crowmarsh’s striker met a corner with a firm header, but the home goalkeeper produced a reflex stop.
• 67th minute: The best chance of the match fell to the visitors, who broke quickly on the counter-attack only to see their shot cleared off the line.
• 89th minute: A frantic goalmouth scramble in the Wallingford box ended with a defender hacking the ball clear.

Replay awaits

Under FA Cup rules, a goalless draw means the two clubs will meet again at Wallingford Crowmarsh’s ground to determine who advances. With so little separating the sides and both defences in commanding form, the replay promises to be just as tightly contested. The winner will move closer to the first qualifying round proper, where the competition’s lower-league glamour ties begin to take shape.

For Holyport, extending the cup run offers a financial boost and a chance to create local history. For Wallingford Crowmarsh, the replay represents an opportunity to shake off the frustration of a scoreless afternoon and turn their territorial pressure into goals.