Newly appointed manager Liam Friend will lead Herne Bay into their first competitive fixture of the season with a trip to Southern Counties East Premier Division side Hollands & Blair on Saturday, August 2nd, in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for the club, with Friend eager to make a strong first impression.

Should Herne Bay progress, they’ll face Midhurst & Easebourne or Knaphill in the Preliminary Round on August 16th, continuing their journey toward the coveted First Round Proper.

A New Twist: The Expanded FA Cup Format

This season’s FA Cup introduces a newly added round—a structural change aimed at accommodating the growing number of clubs entering the competition. The Extra Preliminary Round now features a record 223 ties, up from previous years, reflecting the FA’s commitment to grassroots and non-league football.

This expansion ensures more clubs have a shot at the magic of the Cup, but it also means a longer and more grueling path to the First Round Proper. For clubs like Herne Bay, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity—more matches mean more chances to build momentum and generate revenue.

FA Trophy: Road to Wembley Begins

The Isuzu FA Trophy, a prestigious competition for clubs in Steps 1–4 of the National League System, will kick off with the Preliminary Round on Saturday, 23 August 2025. This will be followed by the First Round Qualifying on 6 September – where Herne Bay enter – with subsequent rounds leading up to the Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 17 May 2026

The FA Youth Cup, renowned for showcasing the next generation of English football talent, will begin with the Preliminary Round in the week commencing Monday, 1 September 2025. With 188 ties set for the opening round, the Youth Cup remains one of the most inclusive and competitive youth tournaments in the world. It has historically served as a launchpad for future stars, and clubs across the country will be eager to see their academy prospects shine.

Key Dates for Herne Bay FC in the cups:

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round: vs. Hollands & Blair (A) – Saturday 2nd August
FA Cup Preliminary Round (if they win): vs. Midhurst & Easebourne or Knaphill (A) – Saturday 16th August
FA Trophy First Round Qualifying: vs Ashford United (H) – Saturday 6th September
FA Youth Trophy Preliminary Round: Hollands & Blair (A) – w/c 01/09/2025
FA Youth Trophy First Round Qualifying: Hythe Town or Folkestone Invicta (A) – Wednesday 16th September