AFC Sudbury vs Clapton Community FC is on Sunday, October 5 2025 at 2pm at King’s Marsh Stadium, Brundon Lane, Sudbury CO10 7HN
Here we go once again then – Clapton CFC in underdog mode away from home in the Women’s FA Cup. AFC Sudbury are the best side we’ve faced since Plymouth Argyle in December 2021. The Suds play two divisions higher than us in tier 4 in the FA National Women’s League Division One East.
After triumphing at Romford Town and Histon, this will be our third away draw in a row in this season’s competition. In fact of the 17 Women’s FA Cup games we’ve played in our history, this will be our 12th away from home. Apparently, there was just a 4% chance of that happening. But given most of our big FA Cup performances have been away, never write us off.
About the competition
DATES OF UPCOMING ROUNDS
First Round Sunday 26 October 2025
Second Round Sunday 23 November 2025
Third Round Sunday 14 December 2025
Fourth Round Sunday 18 January 2026
Fifth Round Sunday 22 February 2026
Quarter Final Sunday 5 April 2026
Semi Final Sunday 10 May 2026
Final Sunday 31 May 2026
PRIZE FUND PAYMENTS
ROUND | WINNING CLUB | LOSING CLUB
Preliminary Round £600 £150
First Round Qualifying £1,800 £450
Second Round Qualifying £3,000 £750
Third Round Qualifying £4,000 £1,000
First Round Proper £6,000 £1,500
Second Round Proper £8,000 £2,000
Third Round Proper £35,000 £9,000
Fourth Round Proper £54,000 £13,000
Fifth Round Proper £80,000 £20,000
Quarter Final £90,000 £22,500
Semi Final £160,000 £40,000
Final £430,000 £108,000
About the opposition
The AFC actually stands for Amalgamated Football Club as it was formed by a merger of Sudbury Town and Sudbury Wanderers in 1999. The club is based at Wanderers’ old ground while Town’s Priory Stadium was sold for housing.
The women’s team achieved consecutive promotions in 2021/22 and 2022/23 to reach the fourth tier of women’s football. They’ve finished 10th and 7th in their two seasons in the FAWNLD1SE so far. Last season they reached the second round of the FA Cup before losing a creditable 3-0 to second tier side Lewes.
Form guide
It’s been a slow start to the season in the league for The Suds. However, they’re registered two wins in the FAWNL Cup against Billericay Town and London City Lionesses Academy. Clapton meanwhile will be full of confidence after a record 12-0 league win last Sunday.
Previous meetings
None.
Player/s to watch
Former Doncaster Belles player Jessica Allen scored 13 goals in 15 games the division last season.
Admission
TBC
Directions
Sudbury has a railway station, which is about 25 minutes walk to the ground. Catch the 1108 or 1208 from London Liverpool Street (or 1115 or 1215 from Stratford). You’ll need to change at Marks Tey.
If you’re driving, use postcode CO10 7HN in the satnav. There is a large car park at the ground.