This season’s accepted entry of 661 clubs for The FA Cup is the highest in the history of our world-famous competition.

The 182nd and last FA Cup Preliminary Round tie is only being played tonight, ten days after the original date for the round and following Eastbourne United’s reinstatement in the competition.

United, who have made an encouraging start to their Sussex County League Division 1 campaign after promotion last season, lost 6-3 at Greenwich Borough in the Extra Preliminary Round way back on 28th August. But, following a protest over an ineligible player, United have earned a reprieve and will now play at Thamesmead Town tonight.

With the prospect of a home tie in the First Qualifying Round against Sussex rivals Worthing this Saturday, Dave Shearing’s United will be desperate for a win at Bayliss Avenue tonight (7.45). Thamesmead are a top-six side in the Kent League’s Premier Division, so it should be a tight contest.

If a replay is required, it will be played at United’s Oval ground on Thursday (also 7.45).

There was one FA Vase First Qualifying Round replay last night, Gorleston pipping Ruislip Manor in a five-goal thriller at Grosvenor Vale, and there is more Vase replay action tonight at Padiham (v Poulton Victoria), Castleton Gabriels (v Retford United) and East Grinstead Town (v Petersfield Town). The Castleton Gabriels match is being played on the ground of Oldham Town FC.

There are also six ties tonight in the Preliminary Round of The FA Youth Cup - and many more tomorrow night.