Forest Green to Face Wilshere’s Luton in FA Cup First Round Clash

FA Cup First Round Draw: Savage vs Wilshere Set for Kenilworth Road

The FA Cup first round draw has delivered a headline fixture as Forest Green Rovers, managed by Robbie Savage, will travel to face Luton Town, newly appointed under Jack Wilshere, in a touchline clash of two former Premier League midfielders turned managers.

Wilshere, 33, was only confirmed as Luton boss earlier on Monday, marking a “full-circle moment” in his coaching career, while Savage has guided Forest Green to second in the National League and is eyeing an upset in the historic cup competition.

The tie will be played on the weekend of 1–2 November, with both sides looking to make a statement in what promises to be a high-profile fixture in the opening round.

Cup Romance: Maldon & Tiptree Draw Port Vale

Maldon & Tiptree, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition from the eighth tier, have been handed a dream away day against League One side Port Vale.

The Essex-based outfit leads the Isthmian League North Division, sitting a staggering 103 places below their professional opponents in the English football pyramid.

Key Draw Highlights

• Wigan Athletic vs Hemel Hempstead Town

• Peterborough United vs Cardiff City

• Plymouth Argyle vs Wycombe Wanderers (Tom Cleverley’s managerial debut continues)

• Huddersfield Town visit Bolton Wanderers

• Gainsborough Trinity (if victorious in replay) will host Accrington Stanley

The Premier League and Championship clubs, including holders Crystal Palace, will enter the competition in the third round.

Full First Round Draw (Selected Key Fixtures)

• Luton Town vs Forest Green Rovers

• Wigan Athletic vs Hemel Hempstead Town

• Peterborough United vs Cardiff City

• Port Vale vs Maldon & Tiptree

• Wycombe Wanderers vs Plymouth Argyle

• Bolton Wanderers vs Huddersfield Town

• Oldham Athletic vs Northampton Town

• Tranmere Rovers vs Stockport County

• Blackpool vs Scunthorpe United

• Rotherham United vs Swindon Town

• AFC Wimbledon vs Gateshead

For the complete draw and match schedules, follow FA.com.

Wilshere vs Savage: From Midfield Maestros to Dugout Rivals

With both managers forging fresh reputations from the sidelines, the Luton-Forest Green fixture adds emotional and tactical intrigue. Wilshere, once hailed as Arsenal’s next great hope, will lead his first FA Cup campaign as a manager. Savage, on the other hand, continues to defy expectations after quickly rising through the managerial ranks following his playing and media career.