Longlevens 1 – 1 Winslow United
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round – 27 August 2026

Longlevens and Winslow United played out an absorbing 1-1 draw in their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie on a damp evening in Gloucestershire. The result means the two non-league sides will have to do it all again at Winslow's ground, with a place in the next qualifying round on the line.

Match Report

Longlevens made the brighter start and were rewarded for their early pressure with a well-taken goal after nearly 20 minutes. The home side's direct style caused problems for the Winslow United defence, and they deservedly took the lead when a long ball was flicked on into the path of the striker, who finished calmly.

Winslow United responded well, slowly growing into the game. They created several chances before half-time but were denied by some solid goalkeeping. The equaliser eventually came midway through the second half, when a set-piece scramble in the box ended with a close-range finish that the Longlevens defence could not clear.

Key Moments

• 20' – Longlevens take the lead: A classic route-one goal, with a strong knock-down and a clinical finish giving the hosts a deserved advantage.
• 35' – Winslow hit the woodwork: A free-kick from the edge of the box crashed against the crossbar, signalling the visitors' growing threat.
• 65' – Winslow United equalise: A goalmouth scramble following a corner was eventually turned in from close range to level the scores.

Tactical Battle

Longlevens were organized and disciplined, looking to hit Winslow United on the break and exploit space in behind the full-backs. Their 4-4-2 shape made it difficult for Winslow to play through central areas, forcing the visitors to rely on wide deliveries. Winslow United, meanwhile, had the better of possession after the break and showed more patience when building attacks, yet they lacked a cutting edge until the set-piece equaliser.

The final 20 minutes were open and end-to-end, with both sides pushing for a winner. Longlevens nearly snatched it in stoppage time when a low drive skimmed past the post, but the replay was ultimately a fair outcome for a well-matched contest.

Standout Players

Longlevens' goalkeeper was busy throughout and made several important saves to keep his side in the match. Winslow United's centre-forward was a constant handful, winning headers and holding the ball up well, while their midfield captain dictated the tempo during the visitors' strongest spell.

What's Next

The replay will take place at Winslow United's home ground, with the winner advancing into the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Both teams will view this as a winnable opportunity, and the tie is now nicely poised after a competitive first meeting. For Longlevens, the priority will be to rediscover their first-half intensity, while Winslow United will take confidence from their second-half improvement.