Sherborne Town and Baffins Milton Rovers played out a hard-fought goalless draw in the FA Cup extra preliminary round, with neither side able to find the net on a competitive evening in Dorset.

The two clubs met on Saturday 8 August 2026 hoping to take a step closer to FA Cup glory, but defending ultimately triumphed over attack. After 90 minutes of end-to-end football, the score stood at 0-0, meaning the tie must now be decided in a replay.

A game of few clear chances

Sherborne Town started brightly and forced a series of early corners, but they were unable to turn their pressure into a goal. Baffins Milton Rovers, travelling from the south coast, soon settled into the contest and began to pass the ball with confidence. The best opening of the first half fell to the visitors, whose striker raced clear down the right before dragging his shot just wide of the far post.

Sherborne responded well and almost broke the deadlock shortly before half-time when a short corner routine ended with a powerful drive that was beaten away by the Baffins goalkeeper. The home crowd appealed for a penalty moments later when the ball appeared to strike a defender’s arm, but the referee waved play on.

Second-half stalemate

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams competing fiercely in midfield without ever finding the cutting edge needed in the final third. Baffins Milton Rovers enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure midway through the half, forcing a series of blocks and saves from the Sherborne defence, but the home side held firm.

Sherborne Town’s best late chance came from a long throw into the box, but the resulting header drifted wide. At the other end, Baffins Milton Rovers had a shot cleared off the line in stoppage time, ensuring the tie ended all square.

Replay to decide the tie

The draw sets up a replay at Baffins Milton Rovers’ home ground, with a place in the preliminary round of the FA Cup awaiting the winners. For Sherborne Town, the result keeps their cup hopes alive and gives them another opportunity to claim a memorable victory. For Baffins Milton Rovers, the performance shows they are more than capable of competing away from home, and they will be confident of finishing the job in front of their own supporters.

In a competition defined by late drama and giant killings, this tie remains perfectly balanced after a goalless first meeting.