Non-League and Academy football writer

There will be a different winner on the prestigious Middlesex FA Premier Cup this season (2026/27), following last season’s winners Bedfont FC’s promotion to step 5. Bedfont won the 2025/26 edition of this famous county cup over Spartans Youth, at Ashford Town FC during the latter stages of last season. This edition of this long running competition, sees some very good first round draws. Personally, one of the standout draws of the first round, is the Brook House versus AS London match. Two very good step 6 sides from their respective step 6 divisions, I hope to do a match report of that game next month. I’m also hoping to attend the Eagles Land Cricklewood versus Eagles Land Benfica first round tie.

On to the sides who have been given byes into the second round. And there are two SAL sides who will be competing in the Premier Cup, this season. They are the 2024/25 season runners-up, Civil Service, and last season’s impressive Intermediate Cup winners Winchmore Hill. I very much expect both sides to go on very good runs in the Premier Cup this season. And I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see one of those sides reach the final. Former Suburban League team and current Middlesex League Premier Division side, Hayes & Yeading B, enter this season’s competition. As do fellow Middlesex League Premier Division side Camden United, once again and for a third season running.

Of the step 6 sides who have been given byes into the second round, PFC Victoria London have to be respected, given their recent record in this competition, as do Wembley and Spartans Youth. However, the great thing about county cup competitions, is how unpredictable they can be. I look forward to following the journey of this competition right up until the scheduled final, on the 24th of March, 2027.

The first round draw:

• Brook House versus AS London
• FC Deportivo Galicia versus Edgware & Kingsbury
• Enfield Borough versus Brimsdown 
• Eagles Land Cricklewood versus Eagles Land Benfica

Teams who were given a bye into the second round: Camden United, Civil Service, Harrow Borough U23, Hayes & Yeading B, London Samurai Rovers, PFC Victoria London, Shepherds Bush, Spartans Youth, Spelthorne Sports Club, Staines & Lammas (Middlesex), Wembley, Winchmore Hill.