Guernsey FC is excited to confirm that the club is re-entering the FA Cup and FA Vase for the 2025-26 season.
The Green Lions last competed in the FA Cup in the 2016-17 season, having first entered in 2013-14 (when we reached the second preliminary round before being knocked out by higher-level opposition in Dover Athletic). Our first ever appearance in the world’s oldest national football competition in the world was a 3-1 victory over Crawley Down Gatwick. FA Cup football (and the trophy) finally came to the island in 2016, with Dave Rihoy scoring twice to rescue a 2-2 draw against Thamesmead Town in the first FA Cup tie to take place in the Channel Islands. Unfortunately we were knocked out on penalties in the replay.
Aside from the FA Cup, had we remained at Step 4, we would have been back in the FA Trophy. Instead, we will evoking some magic moments as we go into the draw for the FA Vase.
Fans will have great memories from our epic Vase run in 2012-13, where we contested some thrilling games as we reached the semi-final, being knocked out over two legs by eventually winner Spennymoor Town as we came within one step of Wembley. Highlights from that run included a 4-3 comeback against Erith Town, a ding-dong battle at Rye United which we won 6-5 and the semi-final first leg, which saw a helicopter called in to help dry the pitch to get the game on, after fans at volunteered to work through the night to help drain the pitch.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve taken part in the FA Cup. Financially, it does come at a cost. It’s not all the bright lights and glamour people might imagine — you need to win around seven games before there’s even a chance of generating any real income. So those extra fixtures can be tough on the club, Guernsey FC manager Tony Vance shared.
“That said, it’s still hugely exciting. It gives the season a fresh energy and sense of purpose.
“The FA Cup is the most famous club competition in the world and it’s steeped in history. We’ve been fortunate enough to be part of it before – even had the trophy over here once, which was incredible.
“You can only dream of reaching a certain level, but clubs at our level have done it before — so the dream is always alive.”
The draw for the FA Cup extra-preliminary round (which will be played on the weekend of 2nd August) will take place next Friday, 4th July.
The FA Vase gets underway the weekend of 23rd August. Look out for further news about the draw.
