MATCH PREVIEW:
Grantham Town FC vs Newark Town – Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday, 3rd August 2025
The Meres Stadium
3:00pm Kick-Off
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

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The Road to Wembley Begins at The Meres

The Emirates FA Cup returns this weekend, and Grantham Town FC kick off their 2025/26 campaign with a local derby clash against Newark Town in the Extra Preliminary Round. The Meres will play host to what promises to be a fiercely contested tie, with both sides eager to start their season with a statement victory in the world’s oldest national cup competition.

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The Gingerbreads: New Season, New Ambitions

After a summer of regrouping and rebuilding, Grantham Town enter the new season with renewed optimism. Manager Mitch Griffiths will be hoping his side can carry pre-season momentum into competitive action, and there’s no better platform to set the tone than the FA Cup. The Gingerbreads have a proud cup history and will be looking to avoid any early slip-ups against spirited opposition.

Watch out for the summer signings and with the backing of a passionate home crowd, Grantham will be aiming to assert their dominance from the first whistle.

The Visitors: Newark Town Eyeing an Upset

Newark Town make the short trip down the A1 with hopes of causing an upset. The Step 5 side have impressed in recent county competitions and boast a squad full of youthful energy and experience at this level. Manager Luke Parsons knows his team will be underdogs, but the magic of the FA Cup thrives on such stories.

A well-organised and hard-working outfit, Newark will look to frustrate the hosts and hit on the counter. With a strong away following expected, they’ll be buoyed by derby-day energy and the opportunity to claim a memorable scalp.

What’s at Stake?

Victory will see one side progress to the Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup, bringing not only bragging rights but also a financial boost and the chance to continue the dream of a cup run. For Grantham, the focus will be on professionalism and control. For Newark, it’s about belief and bravery.

How to follow:

Tickets available on the gate – arrive early to avoid queues.
Live updates on @granthamtownfc social media and the Pitchero Club App.
Refreshments and club shop open from 1:30pm

Prediction:
Expect a tense and tight affair early on, but Grantham’s quality and home advantage may just see them through. A classic FA Cup battle awaits.

Prediction: Grantham Town 2-1 Newark Town

Up the Gingerbreads!