FA Cup: Previews, match reports and highlights from the first round on BT Sport

The FA Cup first round proper is back and BT Sport are delighted to announce we are showing seven matches from the world’s oldest cup competition.

Across the first weekend of November, from Friday to Monday, BT Sport will keep you abreast of the action with seven tantalising ties in prospect and some serious potential for giant killing. Read on for a scene-setter and how to watch each clash across our platforms.

Friday 6 November

Harrogate Town 4-1 Skelmersdale United

Ninth-tier Skelmersdale United were unable to cause a shock in the first round of the FA Cup as they were beaten by League Two side Harrogate Town.

Skelmersdale were the lowest-ranked side left in the FA Cup and had won six matches to reach the first round proper for the first time since 1971.

But they never looked like making club history by advancing into the second round.

Saturday 7 November

Tonbridge Angels 0-7 Bradford City

League Two Bradford thrashed non-league Tonbridge Angels 7-0 to progress to the second round of the FA Cup.

The Bantams scored twice in the opening 14 minutes and were in cruise control throughout. The Conference South posed very little threat in what proved to be a mismatch in Kent.

Ipswich v Portsmouth: BT Sport Digital Platforms (3pm KO)

A clash of the big boys in League One takes place on Saturday afternoon as two former FA Cup winners face off at Portman Road.

The 1978 winners Ipswich host 2008 winners Portsmouth, a repeat of the third-round meeting between these two in 2016 which ended in Pompey’s favour via a replay.

Sunday 8 November

Maldon & Tiptree v Morecambe: BT Sport Digital Platforms (12.45pm KO)

Sunday lunchtime sees two clashes ripe for a giant killing. First up is Essex-based Maldon & Tiptree’s clash with League Two mainstays Morecambe.

Remarkably, the Isthmian League North Division team are taking part in the first round for just the second time in their history having made their first appearance there just last season.

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Oldham Athletic: BT Sport Digital Platforms (12.45pm KO)

At the same time as Maldon & Tiptree v Morecambe, BT Sport’s digital platforms will show another tantalising potential cup upset as Oldham Athletic travel to Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The Beavers will bid to pile more misery on Oldham by springing a surprise after The Latics poor start to the League Two campaign.

Eastbourne Borough v Blackpool: BT Sport 1 HD (2.30pm KO)

Blackpool make the trip south to Sussex on Sunday to take on Eastbourne Borough of the National League South with a place in the FA Cup second round up for grabs.

The 1953 winners Blackpool are bidding to avoid a banana skin in Eastbourne against an Eastbourne who have reached this hurdle on three previous occasions in their history.

Monday 9 November

Oxford City v Northampton Town: BT Sport 1 HD (7.45pm KO)

The seventh and final BT Sport clash takes place on Monday night as Northampton Town take on Oxford’s other club – Oxford City.

City ply their trade three divisions below Northampton in the National League South and have a colourful history in the competition. The Hoops hold the record for the most replays in an FA Cup tie with six games needed before they ultimately lost to Alvechurch in 1971/72.