The draw for the First Round of the 2025/26 BBC Essex Senior Cup was particularly significant for one newly-confirmed senior status club, namely Lymore Gardens, who now know they will travel to Hutton as they begin a new era for their club.

Lymore, who play in Redbridge, were amongst the clubs listening when the draw was broadcast by the competition’s supporters on Friday (1st August). Their first ever Senior Cup clash will see them travel to Hutton, who also compete in the Eastern Counties League Division One South, and both sides have 100% league records after two matches.

All First Round ties are due to take place during the week beginning 25th August, and Essex clubs from Steps 4 and above in the pyramid are exempt until Rounds Two and Three. Two guests assisted with the draw - Victoria Polley from BBC Essex was responsible for the home clubs, while Mark Wallis of the Essex County FA Cups & Competitions Department drew out the away teams.

BBC Essex support the Senior, Saturday Premier and Women’s Cups, and Victoria explained how proud the station are to be actively promoting local sport again in 2025/26: “It’s always a huge privilege for BBC Essex to be involved with the Essex County FA, supporting these competitions. To have the opportunity to play different teams from across the county, and even the chance to play professional clubs as well.”

“We saw a really exciting Senior Cup Final last season, with late drama, and we saw lots of goals again in the Women’s competition, and the Saturday Premier Cup as well. I’m hoping for more of the same this season and, particularly when we’re talking about the summer we’ve had for the Lionesses. I’m really excited to see how the women’s game will grow here in the county.”

BBC Essex Senior Cup First Round (week commencing Monday 25th August)

Ilford vs Hullbridge Sports
Little Oakley vs FC Clacton
Saffron Walden Town vs Holland
Barkingside vs Basildon United
West Essex vs Newbury Forest
Benfleet vs White Ensign
Clapton Community vs Romford
Rayleigh Town vs Barking
Hutton vs Lymore Gardens
Harwich & Parkeston vs Buckhurst Hill
Basildon Town vs Stansted
Cannons Wood vs Halstead Town
Frenford vs Southend Manor
Dunmow Town vs Burnham Ramblers
Woodford Town vs Wivenhoe Town
Harlow Town vs Stanway Pegasus
Coggeshall Town vs Athletic Newham
Great Wakering Rovers vs May & Baker Eastbrook Community

Exempt Until Second Round: Stanway Rovers Community, Takeley.

Exempt Until Third Round: Aveley, Billericay Town, Bowers & Pitsea, Braintree Town, Brentwood Town, Brightlingsea Regent, Canvey Island, Chelmsford City, Colchester United, Concord Rangers, Dagenham & Redbridge, Grays Athletic, Hashtag United, Heybridge Swifts, Hornchurch, Maldon & Tiptree, Redbridge, Southend United, Tilbury, Waltham Abbey, Walthamstow, Witham Town.