Our FA trophy campaign starts at the Second Round stage and with a trip to Leamington FC. 

 

Saturday’s matchup will be the first meeting between the two sides in history, and a new ground for any of our incredible travelling Magpies supporters. In last season’s FA Trophy, The Brakes exited the competition at the Third Round, losing 2-0 to National League outfit Rochdale having beaten King’s Lynn Town 2-1 on their route there. Callum Stewart, scorer of The Brakes' second on the day, earned himself a move to Shrewsbury Town soon after as he sat top of the National League North scoring charts with 14 after 23 games. United were also knocked out at the same stage last year, falling to a 2-1 loss at local rivals Slough Town. Joseph Ajose scored one of his two goals for The Magpies that afternoon, but it stood for a little as Slough held on to their slender advantage. 

 

The home town of Leamington FC, Royal Leamington Spa, is one of only four towns in England to be honoured with a “royal” prefix. The others being Royal Tunbridge Wells, Royal Wootton Bassett and, the slightly different, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield. Titles much alike Windsor and Maidenhead holding the royal borough status and Berkshire being the only royal county in England. Royal Leamington Spa received its title in 1838, from Queen Victoria, in recognition of its status as a fashionable spa town and the patronage it received from the royal family. Queen Victoria herself made a short visit there in 1830, which she fondly recalled, but her influence stayed as a statue of her stood outside the town hall and the eventual openin of Victoria Park. 

 

The season has not been easy for Leamington as they sit in the basement spot of the National League North. After enjoying three wins in four in the crossover between August and September, they remain winless since a 2-1 victory over Southport on September 2nd. Anthony Lynn and Ewan Williams were the two scorers that day and as a result are currently tied top scorers for The Brakes on two goals. The standout player for The Brakes looks to be between the sticks with Rogan Ravenhill. As the ex-Barnsley shotstopper has made 55 saves in the league this campaign, recording an impressive 80.4% save percentage but has only been rewarded with a singular clean sheet. 

 

United’s recent run is far from any better, as a 2-1 loss on Saturday to Torquay United extended the winless run to six. Liam Dulson’s goal in added time provided little joy as any signs of Maidenhead promise were not only far too little, but far too late. A break in league football may be the chance United need to reignite the spark that shone during the impressive, but seemingly antiqued, six-game winning run. A chance at a trip to Wembley could be exactly what United need to revitalise the 2025/26 season. 

Take M40 northbound and exit at Junction 13. Turn right onto A452 towards Leamington. At the 1st roundabout take 3rd exit A452 (Europa Way) towards Leamington. At the next roundabout take 4th exit (Harbury Lane) signposted Harbury and Bishops Tachbrook. At the next roundabout take 3rd exit continuing on Harbury Lane. At the traffic lights continue straight ahead into Harbury Lane, the stadium is 1.5 miles on left. 

 

 

Car parking costs £3 when bought before 11:59pm on Friday and £5 when bought on Saturday online or both in cash or card on the day. Parking is available for roughly 370 cars, and done via bookings / a first come, first served basis. So, our hosts ask all supporters to either car-share or make use of their free shuttle bus service. Blue badge holders can receive free parking at the stadium, but need to book online in advance. 

Trains run out of Reading directly to Leamington Spa, these services take about an hour and run approximately hourly. 

 

There are no footpaths for the final 2 miles, so walking is NOT advisable. 

 

Leamington FC also kindly offer a FREE shuttle bus service from Leamington Spa railway station to the park & ride location at Windmill Inn and then on to the ground. These are scheduled to leave Leamington Spa Railway Station at 13:15, 13:45 and 2:15. 

 

Post-match, the service will leave for the station at 5pm, with further journeys back scheduled at 5:30pm and 6pm. 

 

This fixture is not segregated.  

 

Tickets are available both online and on the gate. Online prices are as follows: 

 

Adult: £16.50 

Concession/Disabled: £12.50 

Student (with valid ID): £9.50 

Under 18: £6.50 

Child (under 12) - with Adult ticket: FREE