Not a classic, but another point on the board. These fine-margin games remind us just how close things are in the National League South with one moment of magic, or one lapse of concentration being the difference between success and failure. Whilst I am not going to pretend that it was the most entertaining of afternoons, the beauty of football is that the next game can be a completely different story. And this weekend, it certainly will be.

Because tomorrow The Meadow comes alive with the magic of the FA Cup. We welcome King’s Lynn Town, as tough a draw as we could have had. They are a full-time professional side and have made a good start to the season in the National League North. Many people may not realise there are full-time teams competing in the FA Cup at this stage, but the non-league game is changing rapidly at this level and it shows the size of the task in front of us. If we are to match the excitement of the last two years, when we reached the First Round Proper and made headlines across the country, we will have to do it the hard way.

That is why your support is vital. The FA Cup is about more than just players on the pitch, we need you to bring the atmosphere, the noise, the belief that everyone in the ground can generate together. Please spread the word, bring family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and strangers you bump into between now and kick-off – let’s pack The Meadow and give the players the best possible backing against one of the toughest sides we could have drawn at this stage.

We want this to be a day for everyone. The clubhouse will be open early for the EFL Championship action and after our match you can stay on and watch West Ham v Spurs with us. So make a full day of it, enjoy the hospitality of The Chess Suite, and share the occasion with your club and your community.

On the women’s side, last weekend the First Team bowed out of the FA WNL Cup at the hands of tier three Watford, but not before holding them 0-0 for the first 30 minutes and showing plenty of character. This Sunday the challenge is no easier as they travel to face a much-improved QPR side at Hanwell Town. After that, attention will turn to next Sunday when Cambridge United Women visit The Meadow – another fixture we hope to see many of you supporting. The Development side are also in action on the road at Abingdon United Development, who currently sit top of the table, so another real test for our younger squad.

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Chesham United goalkeeper, Alan Binfield, who died on 1st September aged 82. Alan joined us from Slough Town in the summer of 1966 and went on to make 75 appearances over two seasons between the posts at The Meadow. He made his debut in memorable fashion – the FA Cup 4th qualifying round win over Leatherhead on 15th October 1966, a 2-1 victory that put Chesham United into the First Round Proper of the competition for the very first time in our history. From that point on he established himself as first-choice goalkeeper.

On behalf of everyone connected with Chesham United, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Alan’s family and friends at this very sad time. A Thanksgiving Service to celebrate Alan’s life will take place at St John the Baptist Church, Alresford, Hampshire on 23rd September at 11.45am. Alan will always be remembered as part of our history, and as ever, One Club, One Community.

If you are looking for a way to support the teams more directly, player sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity. For the 2025/26 season we are offering two packages – Shirt Sponsorship at £120 and Training Kit Sponsorship at £60. Your name or company logo will appear in the matchday programme and on our digital channels, and it’s a brilliant way to advertise, give a unique gift, or simply show your backing for your favourite General. Spaces are filling fast, so get in touch with commercial@cheshamunited.co.uk to secure your player.

We are also continuing to grow our digital presence this season, with more online content than ever before. Make sure you catch Alex Horne’s match previews each week for both the men’s and women’s teams – a light-hearted but insightful look ahead to the games and a great way to keep up with what’s going on.

So, while last Saturday may have been short on drama, tomorrow promises to be a very different story. The FA Cup is here, King’s Lynn are coming to town, and together we can make The Meadow a fortress. Let’s make some noise, let’s create the atmosphere, and let’s give ourselves every chance of another famous Cup story to tell.

Thank you, as always, for your magnificent support.

Peter Brown