The Greenbacks tomorrow face Coventry United for the 2nd time this week as we head to local rivals Coventry United which is being played at The Cameron Slater Arena, Sphinx Drive
Emirates FA Cup – First Qualifying Round
Saturday 5th September 2026
3:00pm
The Cameron Slater Arena, Sphinx Drive, Coventry, CV3 1WA
Admission:
Adults: £10
Concessions: £7
Under 16: £1
The magic of the Emirates FA Cup arrives in Coventry on Saturday afternoon as Bedworth United travel to face Coventry United in an intriguing First Qualifying Round tie.
With a place in the next round at stake, there is plenty to play for when the two local sides meet for the second time in just six days.
The fixture has been switched to the Coventry Sphinx ground at Sphinx Drive, with the original venue unavailable due to an international rugby fixture.
A familiar opponent
Saturday’s cup tie comes just days after the sides met in league action at The Oval, where Bedworth United came out on top with a 2-0 victory.
Josh Willis opened the scoring before Teddy Rowe added a second from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.
That result will give the Greenbacks confidence heading into the cup encounter, although both sides know that the FA Cup can produce a very different kind of game.
For Coventry United, Saturday offers an immediate opportunity to respond. Having already beaten Sutton Coldfield and Whitchurch Alport on their route to the First Qualifying Round, they will be determined to make home advantage count and reach the next stage.
Greenbacks enjoying a strong cup run
Bedworth have also impressed in this season’s FA Cup.
The Greenbacks began their campaign with a 2-1 victory away at Belper United in the Extra Preliminary Round before producing another excellent away performance to beat Ashby Ivanhoe 3-1 in the Preliminary Round. Alex McSkeane scored twice in that victory, with Antinio Cristofaro also finding the net.
Bedworth then followed that up with a goalless draw at Basford United in the FA Trophy, eventually progressing on penalties, before the 2-0 league win over Coventry United.
The Greenbacks therefore arrive at Sphinx Drive with plenty of momentum and will be looking to continue their FA Cup adventure.
Cup football has a habit of producing surprises
Although Bedworth will take confidence from Monday’s league victory, this is a new game with a new opportunity for both teams.
Coventry United have already demonstrated their cup credentials this season, scoring three goals in both of their opening FA Cup victories. They defeated Sutton Coldfield 3-1 before repeating the scoreline against Whitchurch Alport.
With both clubs familiar with one another and the game being played on a neutral venue of sorts, fine margins could prove decisive.
The reward for victory is a place in the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup, making Saturday’s contest a hugely important afternoon for both clubs.
One to watch
With the two teams having met only days earlier, neither manager should have any illusions about what to expect.
Bedworth will hope their recent defensive solidity and attacking threat can once again make the difference, while Coventry United will be looking for a response and the chance to turn the tables.
Whatever happens, an entertaining and competitive afternoon should be in store at Sphinx Drive.
Kick-off is 3:00pm on Saturday 5th September.
Come on you Greenbacks! 💚
