Berkhamsted came from behind to beat Southend United 2-1 at Roots Hall on October 17. The late win secured the Hertfordshire club’s first-ever place in the FA Cup first round proper.

Berkhamsted’s first-round debut follows a comeback win, and the next tie will pit it against a side from the same division.

Three goals, one late swing

  • Southend took the lead through Lewys Twamley just after the half-hour mark.
  • Luke Andrews equalised for Berkhamsted before the break.
  • Jeffrey Sekyere scored the winner with two minutes left.

The Football Association confirmed Berkhamsted’s first appearance in the first round proper. The club’s match report said 362 travelling supporters made the trip to Southend.

Another seventh-tier test

The draw, made on October 19, sent Berkhamsted away to Plymouth Parkway. Both clubs play in the Southern League Premier Division South. That is a different challenge from the one Berkhamsted faced against Southend, who compete in the National League South.

The Football Association scheduled the first-round ties for the weekend of November 7, 2026. Berkhamsted has secured its breakthrough; the Plymouth Parkway match offers a chance to extend its first-ever run in the competition proper.