The FA Cup intensified with the first round proper taking place this weekend as dreams became reality for many clubs and players.
The magic of the cup enables stories such as seventh-tier Kettering coming from behind to knock local rivals League One Northampton Town out with a 2-1 win after extra-time at Sixfields.
The lowest-ranked team left in the competition, Hednesford Town, were hertbreakingly beaten on penalties by Gainsborough Trinity, but other non-league underdogs such as Harborough, Tamworth, Wealdstone, Oldham and Dagenham also caused upsets to get themselves in the hat for round two.
The second-round draw takes place this evening, meaning it will conclude before the final tie of the first round, with Chesham United and Lincoln City squaring off on Monday night.
So who will take the next step towards a deep cup run? Here’s everything you need to know:
When is the FA Cup second round draw?
The draw for the second round proper of the FA Cup will be held from 7:45pm GMT on Sunday 3 November.
How can I watch it?
BBC Two will broadcast the FA Cup second round draw during the channel’s first round highlights show, which starts at 6:15pm. Kelly Somers will host the draw with Emile Heskey and Leon Osman pulling out the balls.
A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer and Independent Sport will have a live blog to give you all the ties and reaction.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
What are the ball numbers?
1. Cheltenham Town
2. Doncaster Rovers
3. Morecambe
4. Boreham Wood or Leyton Orient
5. Exeter City
6. Wigan Athletic
7. Tamworth
8. Brackley Town
9. Curzon Ashton or Mansfield Town
10. Wycombe Wanderers
11. Bradford City
12. Gainsborough Trinity
13. Burton Albion
14. Oldham Athletic
15. Bromley
16. Walsall
17. Wealdstone
18. Bristol Rovers
19. Milton Keynes Dons or AFC Wimbledon
20. Solihull Moors
21. Stockport Count
22. Reading
23. Stevenage
24. Kettering Town
25. Accrington Stanley
26. Swindon Town
27. Salford City
28. Dagenham & Redbridge
29. Barnsley
30. Chesham United or Lincoln City
31. Chesterfield
32. Charlton Athletic
33. Notts County
34. Crawley Town
35. Harrogate Town or Wrexham
36. Cambridge United
37. Blackpool
38. Harborough Town
39. Sutton United or Birmingham City
40. Peterborough United
When will the ties be played?
The first-round ties were played between Friday 1 November 2024 and Monday 4 November 2024.
The main dates for the remaining rounds are as follows:
Second Round Proper: Saturday 30 November 2024
Third Round Proper: Saturday 11 January 2025
Fourth Round Proper: Saturday 8 February 2025
Fifth Round Proper: Saturday 1 March 2025
Quarter Final: Saturday 29 March 2025
Semi Final – Saturday 26 April 2025
Final: Saturday 17 May 2025
