Harleston Town vs Romford - FA Cup

A fascinating FA Cup chapter awaits on September 5, 2026 when Harleston Town take on Romford at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Ferencvaros v Real Madrid: Confirmed line-ups for Mourinho’s latest pre-season clash.

A glance at the FA Cup table tells the story: Harleston Town in 76th and Romford in 178th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Harleston Town will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Larson’s long-term plans have attracted renewed attention following teammate Alex Bowman’s recent announcement that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2027 season.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Harleston Town will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Romford will back themselves to cause problems on the break. The winner came from a rare counter-attack by the new-look Spurs side, who defended well throughout with Andy Robertson making his first start and Jan Paul van Hecke on debut, as they battled to secure another win in pre-season.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. City are seeking upwards of £60m for the 30-year-old midfielder, who has entered the final year of his deal.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Harleston Town ought to prevail — a 2-1 victory looks the logical call. With positions in the FA Cup table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.