FA Cup 2nd Round Draw – Football fans across the UK eagerly tuned in to discover the thrilling match-ups revealed in the second-round draw of the Emirates FA Cup. With non-league underdogs, League One and League Two contenders, and fairytale narratives beginning to take shape, the 2nd round offers a tantalising glimpse of the magic that makes the FA Cup the most beloved domestic competition in English football.
This round, the final before Championship and Premier League teams enter, often delivers drama and unexpected outcomes. Whether you’re following your local side’s journey or looking ahead to potential giant-killings, the 2nd round draw has set the stage perfectly. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube livestreams, Meta posts and Google searches have been buzzing since the draw went live – and we’ve broken down everything fans need to know.
How the draw was conducted
The FA Cup 2nd Round draw took place live on ITV, streamed simultaneously on YouTube and the official FA channels, attracting thousands of live viewers. Conducted by former footballing legends and FA Cup veterans, the draw used a traditional numbered ball system. Teams were drawn at random with suspense building throughout, and the reactions from club social media teams provided light-hearted and emotional responses.
The draw included 40 clubs – 20 winners from the 1st round, primarily non-league and League Two sides, and now included some League One heavyweights. Teams were drawn without seeding, and the order of the draw determined home and away ties.
Exciting ties to look forward to FA Cup
A few fixtures stood out immediately, with many football fans and pundits already dubbing them the most watchable. Here are a few highlights of the 2nd round draw:
Chesterfield vs Bolton Wanderers: Chesterfield, one of the National League sides with serious ambitions for a league return, host former Premier League club Bolton. It’s a clash of history and current form.
Wrexham vs Sutton United: With Wrexham backed by Hollywood stardom and momentum from their league performances, they’ll be favourites, but Sutton could play the role of spoiler.
AFC Wimbledon vs Eastleigh: A fixture that revives memories of the FA Cup’s grassroots spirit. Eastleigh’s journey through the lower leagues has captured imaginations across social media.
Cambridge United vs Burton Albion: Two strong League One teams are competing against top-tier opponents in a potentially lucrative third-round matchup.
Each of these ties has sparked conversations online, particularly among local fanbases, and they are already being tipped for live TV broadcasts due to their competitive edge and storylines.
Non-league dreamers making headlines
Every year, the FA Cup delivers narratives that resonate beyond football. This round’s draw highlighted several non-league teams with dreams of causing an upset:
Cray Valley Paper Mills: After making history by reaching the second round, Cray Valley are being hailed as the new “minnows to watch” across YouTube and X.
Alfreton Town: Another National League North side with momentum on their side. Their passionate fanbase has driven social media campaigns and watch parties that echo the true grassroots energy of the competition.
Maidstone United: Their potential tie against a League Two opponent has led to a spike in online interest, with many neutrals backing them to progress to round three.
These clubs have seen surges in YouTube content, including behind-the-scenes training vlogs, player interviews and match highlights. Their growing online presence has gained them nationwide support beyond their usual following.
What fans are searching for FA Cup
Google Trends data shows spikes in several FA Cup-related queries following the draw:
“FA Cup 2nd round draw full list”
“Who did Wrexham draw in FA Cup?”
“Cray Valley FA Cup history”
“FA Cup 2nd round TV fixtures”
“When is the 3rd round draw?”
This reflects not only interest in specific teams, especially fan-favourites like Wrexham and Bolton, but also the logistical details fans care about – from kick-off dates to ticket information. Many are keenly watching for confirmation on which ties will be televised live.
Quora discussions have revolved around potential giant-killings, historic cup runs, and the increasing coverage of non-league clubs. The platform has also seen debates about the importance of the FA Cup in the modern football calendar.
X and Meta trends heating up
On X, hashtags like #FACupDraw, #RoadToWembley, and #GiantKilling have been trending, with fans live-tweeting their reactions to each fixture. Notably, the draw has reignited support for grassroots football. Local clubs have used the platform to announce fixture details, call for volunteers, and rally support for home ties.
One viral tweet featured Cray Valley’s manager calling their upcoming tie “the biggest moment in club history”, which received over 50,000 likes and comments from fans of bigger clubs wishing them luck.
Meta platforms, especially Facebook and Instagram, have seen clubs posting celebratory videos and graphics revealing their opponents. Many clubs also launched campaigns for increased attendance, urging local communities to “back the lads” and make their home grounds a fortress.
Dates and broadcast information for FA Cup
The second-round matches are scheduled to be played across the weekend of 29–30 November 2025, with some games likely to be selected for live broadcast by ITV or BBC.
Exact fixture times and TV slots are typically confirmed around two weeks before the match weekend. Clubs often work closely with local councils and police to coordinate logistics, especially where crowd control is expected to be a challenge due to high attendance.
Ticket sales for the second round are expected to go live shortly after fixtures are confirmed, and clubs have already reported significant early interest from season ticket holders and local fans.
Prize money and incentive
Winning teams in the second round stand to earn a substantial financial reward, with the FA confirming a prize pot of over £60,000 per club. For non-league sides, this is a game-changer. The funds can go toward pitch maintenance, improved facilities, youth development and even full-time contracts for part-time players.
Beyond the immediate financial benefit, there’s the carrot of the third round – where the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool enter the fold. A favourable draw against a Premier League giant can result in broadcast revenues, merchandise sales and significant gate receipts, often transforming a club’s entire season.
How clubs are preparing for FA Cup
Preparation varies dramatically across the competing clubs. League One sides typically maintain a regular training schedule with full-time staff, whereas non-league teams often juggle semi-professional responsibilities.
Behind-the-scenes documentaries and YouTube channels such as “The Non-League Show” and “Ben Foster – The Cycling GK” have been spotlighting how smaller clubs prepare. From fundraising for additional kit to booking training sessions on floodlit pitches, the dedication shown underscores why the FA Cup remains such a powerful leveller.
Clubs have also been using AI and video analysis tools – a practice now filtering down even to the National League level. Scouting the opposition is no longer just for the big boys.
Fan travel and community impact
Away days are a cherished tradition, and the second round offers fans the chance to explore lesser-known towns and grounds. Clubs have already begun organising official coaches, with many using Meta groups to coordinate shared travel.
In towns like Barnet, Alfreton, and Eastleigh, the draw has sparked an economic buzz. Local pubs, hotels and takeaways are gearing up for increased footfall. These matches bring a much-needed boost to local economies during the winter period.
In some cases, schools have even invited local players to give motivational talks, while fan zones are being discussed to accommodate increased demand. These are the moments where football truly becomes a community event.
Controversies and talking points
As always, a few talking points have emerged from the draw:
Replay format: There’s an ongoing debate around the relevance of replays. While smaller clubs welcome the extra fixtures and revenue, some managers have voiced concern over fixture congestion.
VAR inconsistencies: With only Championship and Premier League grounds equipped with VAR, there are growing calls to either scrap it for the FA Cup altogether or level the playing field by offering it to all ties.
Stadium suitability: Some smaller grounds may not meet broadcasting or safety standards, sparking debates over whether clubs should sacrifice home advantage to play at neutral or larger venues.
These issues are widely discussed on fan forums and trending posts, especially from X accounts such as @FAInsider and @TheNonLeaguePaper, who track these developments closely.
The road to Wembley begins
With only one round separating these clubs from a potentially life-changing fixture against the elite, every kick, tackle and goal in the second round will be laced with tension and ambition. Whether it’s a last-minute winner or a penalty shootout drama, this stage is where memories are made.
Fans, especially those backing non-league teams, will be dreaming of an away day at Anfield or Old Trafford in January. The 2nd round is where those dreams start to take shape.
FAQs
What happened in the FA Cup second round draw?
The FA Cup second round draw took place on 3 November 2024, featuring the 40 winners of the first round. It included Cup specialist Ex‑League teams and surprise non‑league sides like Gainsborough Trinity, Harborough Town and Kettering Town, from the seventh tier . Drawn live and streamed on YouTube, it was conducted by former players Emile Heskey and Leon Osman .
Which underdog tie fans talking about on X?
On X, fans are buzzing about potential “David vs Goliath” matchups. One post noted: “You’re asking two questions that have incredible outcomes! Win the FA Cup or qualify for the Champions League… what are you picking?” . The biggest social media surprise centres on whether Kettering Town can upset a League One opponent.
How can I watch the draw and matches?
The draw was streamed on the official Emirates FA Cup YouTube channel — you can replay it via the video above. As for the matches, BBC Sport and ITV share second-round live coverage: BBC gets second and third picks, while ITV holds first and fourth picks .
What’s new in the format of FA Cup this season?
For the 2024–25 season, replays in the first and second rounds were scrapped—matches level after 90 minutes go straight to extra time and penalties . This change sparked reactions on X, with fans debating whether it erodes the Cup’s traditional ‘David vs Goliath’ earnings opportunity for smaller clubs.
When are the second-round games?
Second round matches are scheduled for 30 November 2024 . Fixtures will play out at the week’s end, with precise kick-off times and broadcast channels finalised closer to the date. Stay tuned to BBC or ITV announcements.
Final thoughts
The FA Cup 2nd Round Draw has once again delivered the kind of magic that makes this competition so enduring. With intriguing ties, inspiring underdog stories and the looming shadow of the big clubs entering next round, fans are in for a thrilling ride. Online engagement is at an all-time high, and both clubs and supporters are embracing the spirit of the tournament.
Whether it’s a fairytale run from Cray Valley or a professional display from Bolton, the FA Cup proves, year after year, that romance in football is alive and well. All eyes now turn to the pitch, where history awaits.
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