Midhurst Easebourne and AFC Croydon Athletic played out a cagey goalless draw in the FA Cup on 23 August 2026, setting up a replay that neither side could complain about after a contest defined more by structure than inspiration. The Southern Combination League hosts more than punched their weight against their Isthmian League opponents, while the visitors will feel they did enough to win but lacked the cutting edge needed to avoid a repeat tie.

Match overview

Played in front of a healthy FA Cup crowd at the Rotherfield, this was a classic early-round cup tie where the fear of elimination often outweighed ambition. Midhurst Easebourne, competing several divisions below AFC Croydon Athletic, set up in a compact 4-4-2 shape and looked to frustrate. The visitors enjoyed the lion's share of possession but found the home defence resolute and well-organised throughout.

The clean sheet will be particularly pleasing for Midhurst Easebourne, who entered the tie as underdogs and left it firmly in the hat for the replay. AFC Croydon Athletic, meanwhile, will point to several clear chances that went begging, with the away side's forwards struggling to convert pressure into goals on a day when the final ball repeatedly let them down.

Key moments

• First half: AFC Croydon Athletic forced a string of corners but Midhurst Easebourne's goalkeeper was rarely called into a difficult save, with most efforts blocked or off target.
• Second half: The visitors introduced fresh legs in attack and came closest when a header from a deep cross clipped the top of the crossbar.
• Final stages: Midhurst Easebourne grew in confidence and even pushed forward for a winner, but the match ended goalless and heads turned to the replay.

Standout performers

Midhurst Easebourne's backline and goalkeeper earned the man-of-the-match plaudits, with the central defensive pairing making a series of crucial blocks and interceptions. For AFC Croydon Athletic, the midfield engine worked hard to control tempo, but the front line will need to be more clinical when the sides meet again.

What next

The FA Cup replay will take place at AFC Croydon Athletic's ground, giving the Isthmian League side home advantage and a chance to finally break down a stubborn Midhurst Easebourne outfit. For the non-league hosts, the draw represents a significant achievement and a money-spinning second opportunity to cause an upset on the road to the first round proper.