Football Enthusiasts, Get Ready for Some Thrilling Upsets! The FA Trophy, that exhilarating knockout competition for non-league teams in England, is heating up, and the fourth round proper draw promises to deliver nail-biting matchups that could shake up the football scene. But here's where it gets really exciting—imagine a plucky underdog taking on a giant-slaying favorite, just like when AFC Fylde shocked the odds in previous rounds. If you're new to this, the FA Trophy is essentially England's version of a league cup for lower-tier clubs, offering a chance for promotion and glory through a single-elimination format. And this is the part most people miss: the draw doesn't just decide games; it can spark debates about fairness, with some arguing that random draws keep things unpredictable, while others push for seeding to protect higher-ranked teams. Do you side with pure chance, or would you prefer a more structured approach to level the playing field?
The Isuzu FA Trophy fourth round proper draw is scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025, kicking off around 5pm GMT. Tune in live on talkSPORT 2 for all the action, where Olly Clink will host the proceedings and Adrian Clarke will do the honors of drawing the balls. For the latest buzz, check out the official results at https://www.thefa.com/competitions/fa-trophy/results or peek ahead at upcoming fixtures at https://www.thefa.com/competitions/fa-trophy/fixtures.
Ball numbers are now set, featuring 32 talented clubs ready for 16 intriguing ties. Here's the lineup:
- AFC Fylde
- Carlisle United
- Alvechurch
- Anstey Nomads
- Macclesfield
- Clitheroe
- Scunthorpe United
- Kidderminster Harriers
- Marine
- Hereford
- Rochdale
- Southport
- Tamworth
- FC Halifax Town
- AFC Telford United
- Morecambe
- Brackley Town
- Leatherhead
- Yeovil Town
- Forest Green Rovers
- Horsham
- Chatham Town
- Wealdstone
- Bath City
- Woking
- Dagenham & Redbridge
- Eastleigh
- Southend United
- Ebbsfleet United
- Walton & Hersham
- Gloucester City
- Hornchurch
The fourth round proper matches will unfold on Saturday, January 10, 2026, setting the stage for epic battles on the pitch. And here's a controversial twist to ponder: with teams from various leagues clashing, could this draw unfairly advantage clubs with bigger budgets or better facilities? Some fans love the David vs. Goliath thrill, but others argue it undermines the spirit of fair play. What do you think—should the FA consider reforms to make the competition more equitable, or is the chaos part of its charm? Drop your thoughts and predictions for this year's potential showdowns in the comments below. Let's discuss!
By the Competitions Department
