Bridlington Town vs Congleton Town - FA Trophy

When Bridlington Town and Congleton Town clash at the home ground on September 12, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a FA Trophy fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

Bridlington Town head into the contest positioned 29th in the FA Trophy standings, while Congleton Town arrive sitting 45th. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Manchester City are nearing an agreement with Marseille for an experienced goalkeeper as they continue reshaping the position behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Bridlington Town and Congleton Town have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. As a box-to-box midfielder, the 23-year-old is putting up numbers that at least mean he is comparable.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. On balance, Bridlington Town look well-placed to claim all three points, and a 2-1 home win would not come as a surprise. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".