The world's greatest domestic cup kicks off once again this weekend, with The Woods entering the Extra Preliminary Round - the earliest stage of the competition - when we travel north to face Biggleswade United at the Verdant Stadium.

We opened our 2026/27 campaign with a 6-0 win over Saffron Walden Town last Saturday, whilst our hosts also sit top of the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division having won their opening two matches. They dispatched of Everrett Rovers on the opening day at home, before following it up with a 4-0 away win at Newport Pagnell Town in midweek.

Last season, we made history by reaching the Third Qualifying Round, before we were narrowly defeated by St Albans City at Ashton's Stadium. That run, coincidentally, opened with us travelling away to Spartan League opposition as we beat Colney Heath 4-0 on the road. As was the case with our run in 2025, should we beat Biggleswade, we will again face SSMFL opposition in the Preliminary Round. Either Sawbridgeworth Town or AFC Welwyn will make the trip to Ashton's.

Last season, we beat Harlow Town in that round after a replay - Marko Protic scored a 96th-minute penalty to send the tie to Ashton's, where a 117th-minute header from Alex Kozak sealed a memorable late victory. That set up a tie with Step Four Newmarket Town, and once again, it was an afternoon to savour as we travelled to Suffolk. Dimi Christou came off the bench and bagged a brace, including a winner in the 96th-minute to complete the comeback.

There was one more scalp for The Woods to claim before our exit, as we held Step Three Bury Town to a score-draw away from home. Once again, we brought them back to Ashton's, and deep into extra time, Marko Protic stepped up to fire home from close-range, securing a special win.

Shane Baptiste's side will be looking to create the same memories when it all kicks off again on Saturday, and they will have fire in their bellies to go the extra mile and make further history this time around.