The Emirates FA Cup fourth round qualifying is almost upon us, with 32 ties on the way this weekend as the qualifying rounds draw to a close.
Here are five things to look out for among the action.
The journey begins
A former FA Cup semi-finalist enters the competition in the fourth round qualifying. This year marks the 70th anniversary of York City’s run to the final four during the 1954-55 season. After drawing 1-1 with Newcastle United at Hillsborough, the Minstermen lost 2-0 to the Magpies in the replay at Roker Park, becoming the first third tier side to compete in an FA Cup semi-final replay.
Fast forward to 2025-26 and York take on league rivals Rochdale – the National League’s table toppers and the highest ranked club in the competition – to kick off their FA Cup journey.
York City beat Notts County in the quarter-final to pave the way to the semi-final in 1955
Spot-kick kings
Another team who has a history with the FA Cup are in the hat. Scunthorpe United – the club who won the longest-ever penalty shootout in the competition – go head-to-head with King’s Lynn Town this weekend at Glanford Park in a bid to reach the first round proper.
Back in 2014, the Iron overcome Worcester City on spot-kicks, eventually winning 14-13 after a thrilling 32 penalties in total were taken. However, the Lincolnshire side won’t need spot-kicks at this stage of the competition.
FA Cup affinity
Tonbridge Angels boss Alan Dunne’s career is intertwined with the FA Cup. The former Millwall defender, who made over 380 appearances for the club, was on the bench for the Lions during the 2004 FA Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff against Manchester United.
The Irishman was Bromley’s assistant as the club reached the third round proper for the first time last season and is now in charge of Tonbridge, winning his first game in charge in his managerial career, beating Cray Valley PM 5-0 in their third round qualifying replay to set up a fourth round qualifying tie against Chatham Town.
Alan Dunne was an unused sub in 2004 FA Cup Final with @MillwallFC, and helped the club reach the semi-finals of the competition in 2013 🏆
Earlier this year, he was assistant manager for @bromleyfc during a history-making run that saw them reach the third round proper 😯
Last… pic.twitter.com/9OnCTiV5md
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) October 1, 2025
History makers
Three clubs will tick off a milestone as they make their first appearances in the fourth round qualifying this weekend: Farnham Town, Whitstable Town and Runcorn Linnets.
Farnham ran out 3-0 winners over Dorchester Town, setting up a tie with Sutton United. Meanwhile, Whitstable – last season’s FA Vase winners and the last remaining ninth tier side in the competition – beat Hungerford Town 2-0, meaning they travel to Wealdstone in the next stage. And Runcorn, who host Buxton on Saturday, beat Ashton United 2-1 in their replay.
Farnham Town, Whitstable Town and Runcorn Linnets will all make club history this weekend by playing in the #EmiratesFACup fourth round qualifying for the first time 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3QEJgb0yUP
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) October 8, 2025
Fourth time lucky
It might not be Dorking Wanderers’ first time in the fourth round qualifying but the club are eyeing a place in the first round proper for the first time in their history, having gone close on a handful of occasions, most notably in 2021-22 when they were beaten on penalties by Hayes & Yeading United.
And Marc White’s side will be hoping they can reach the next stage of the competition at the fourth time of trying when they welcome Aldershot Town to Meadowbank Stadium this weekend.
