2025-26 Edward Case Cup Preliminary and First Round Draws

Sun 22nd June 2025 | The Edward Case Cup | By Ben Wilkinson

The draw for the first two rounds of the First Division Edward Case Cup was made at the League AGM on Saturday 21st June.  As with the Macron Challenge Cup, the draw was carried out by League Vice-Chairman Mr Geoff Wilkinson, assisted by Martin Fallon, League Director.

To reduce the number of clubs down to 32 for the First Round, the lowest-ranked clubs (from last seasons' league standings) will contest a Preliminary Round. The draw is also split into north and south to reduce travel for clubs and supporters.

In the North Group Preliminary Round, Fulwood Amateurs' first cup tie in the NWCFL is a trip to Steeton while MSB Woolton will host Garstang. In the South Group, two newly-promoted sides face off as Haughmond make the short trip to Telford Town.

The winner of the Fulwood Amateurs/Steeton clash will be rewarded with a trip to Ashton Town whilst Nelson await the victors of MSB Woolton vs. Garstang. Two-time winners Bacup Borough welcome Holker Old Boys to the Brian Boys West View Stadium. Colne's first fixture in this competition since they came out on top in the 2003/04 edition is a short trip down the M65 to take on Darwen and Squires Gate, who also won the trophy in the last season they entered, begin with a home tie to Maghull.

As for the South Group, Wolverhampton Casuals have a 189-mile round trip in store for them for their visit to Ashville in their competition debut. Eccleshall will visit either Telford Town or Haughmond and Stockport Georgians go to the winners of the Foley Meir vs. Allscott Heath Preliminary Round clash. Atherton LR are unable to defend their crown following promotion to the Premier Division but losing finalists Stafford Town begin their aim to go one better with a home matchup with Market Drayton Town.

FIRST DIVISION EDWARD CASE CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND

North Group

1. Steeton vs. Fulwood Amateurs
2. MSB Woolton vs. Garstang

South Group

1. Shawbury United vs. Wolverhampton Sporting Community
2. Telford Town vs. Haughmond
3. Foley Meir vs. Allscott Heath

FIRST DIVISION EDWARD CASE CUP FIRST ROUND

North Group

1. Ashton Town vs. Steeton or Fulwood Amateurs
2. Darwen vs. Colne
3. Nelson vs. MSB Woolton or Garstang
4. Bacup Borough vs. Holker Old Boys
5. Droylsden vs. AFC Blackpool
6. Daisy Hill vs. Ashton Athletic
7. Squires Gate vs. Maghull
8. Thornton Cleveleys vs. Maine Road

South Group

1. Telford Town or Haughmond vs. Eccleshall
2. Alsager Town vs. Sandbach United
3. New Mills vs. Cheadle Heath Nomads
4. Foley Meir or Allscott Heath vs. Stockport Georgians
5. Runcorn Town vs. Cammell Laird 1907
6. Shawbury United or Wolverhampton Sporting Community vs. Barnton
7. Ashville vs. Wolverhampton Casuals
8. Stafford Town vs. Market Drayton Town

Further information on when ties will be played will be communicated in due course.