Clapton CFC Men’s First Team will play Wivenhoe Town at home in the BBC Essex Cup first round.
This will be our second meeting with the Dragons – having visited their Broad Lane ground for our FA Vase debut in 2019, losing 5-1.
At the time we were Step 7, now after promotions we find ourselves at Step 5 and a division above Wivenhoe who are in the Eastern Counties League Division One North.
All first round ties are due to take place on the week commencing August 18, which means ours should be Tuesday, August 19 at 7.45pm.
We’ve not had any joy over the three years in this competition, losing to Little Oakley, Harwich & Parkeston and then Romford the first hurdle. Can we make it fourth time lucky?
The first round includes teams playing at Steps 5 and 6 plus two teams from Step 4. All others in Step 4 and above will join the competition in round three.
Full first round draw
Clacton Town vs Heybridge Swifts
Ilford vs Cannons Wood
Dunmow Town vs Lymore Gardens
West Essex vs Halstead Town
Clapton Community vs Wivenhoe Town
Burnham Ramblers vs Hutton
AFC Pegasus Colchester vs Rayleigh Town
Hackney Wick vs Great Wakering Rovers
Benfleet vs Southend Manor
Basildon United vs Stansted
Romford vs Harwich & Parkeston
Basildon Town vs Buckhurst Hill
Marcelona vs Little Oakley
Frenford vs Saffron Walden Town
Hullbridge Sports vs Holland
May & Baker Eastbrook Community vs Coggeshall Town
White Ensign vs Barking
East Thurrock Community vs Harlow Town
Exempt Until Third Round: Aveley, Billericay Town, Bowers & Pitsea, Braintree Town, Brentwood Town, Brightlingsea Regent, Canvey Island, Chelmsford City, Colchester United, Concord Rangers, Dagenham & Redbridge, Grays Athletic, Hashtag United, Hornchurch, Maldon & Tiptree, Redbridge, Southend United, Stanway Rovers, Takeley, Tilbury, Waltham Abbey, Walthamstow, Witham Town.
Designated week for each round
Round 2 – w/c 14 September 2026
Round 3 – w/c 12 October 2026
Round 4 – w/c 9 November 2026
Quarter-Final – w/c 7 December 2026
Semi-Final – w/c 11 January 2027
Final – to be confirmed