Quick Read
- The Isuzu FA Trophy fourth round draw takes place on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 5pm live on talkSPORT 2.
- 32 clubs are involved, with 16 ties to be drawn by Olly Clink and Adrian Clarke.
- Ball numbers have been confirmed, including teams like Macclesfield, Rochdale, and Southend United.
- Fourth round matches are scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 619, with possible fixture changes for some clubs.
FA Trophy Fourth Round Draw Set for Prime Time
Football fans across England—and especially those following non-league clubs—have their eyes set on Monday evening, December 15, 2025. At precisely 5pm GMT, the draw for the fourth round of the Isuzu FA Trophy will be broadcast live on talkSPORT 2. For many, this isn’t just another date in the footballing calendar: it’s a window into the hopes and ambitions of 32 teams who’ve battled their way into one of the sport’s most storied knockout competitions.
Who’s in the Hat? 32 Clubs Ready for the Challenge
This season’s fourth round draw marks a significant milestone. The competition, now nationalised at this stage, features a diverse line-up—from seasoned campaigners like Rochdale and Southend United to rising sides such as Anstey Nomads and Leatherhead. The full list of ball numbers, confirmed by The FA, includes:
- 1 AFC Fylde
- 2 Carlisle United
- 3 Alvechurch
- 4 Anstey Nomads
- 5 Macclesfield
- 6 Clitheroe
- 7 Scunthorpe United
- 8 Kidderminster Harriers
- 9 Marine
- 10 Hereford
- 11 Rochdale
- 12 Southport
- 13 Tamworth
- 14 FC Halifax Town
- 15 AFC Telford United
- 16 Morecambe
- 17 Brackley Town
- 18 Leatherhead
- 19 Yeovil Town
- 20 Forest Green Rovers
- 21 Horsham
- 22 Chatham Town
- 23 Wealdstone
- 24 Bath City
- 25 Woking
- 26 Dagenham & Redbridge
- 27 Eastleigh
- 28 Southend United
- 29 Ebbsfleet United
- 30 Walton & Hersham
- 31 Gloucester City
- 32 Hornchurch
These clubs, from all corners of the country, represent the grit and passion that makes the FA Trophy a unique fixture in English football. The draw, hosted by Olly Clink with Adrian Clarke responsible for drawing the balls, is expected to produce several mouthwatering clashes.
How the Draw Works: Details and Anticipation
The fourth round draw isn’t just about the names in the hat—it’s about the stories behind them. Take Macclesfield, for example, whose side booked their spot with a hard-fought victory at South Shields, courtesy of Luke Duffy’s first-half goal. Clubs like AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers, both familiar faces in the competition, will be hoping for favorable draws that could pave their way to Wembley.
With 16 ties to be drawn, suspense will be high as fans tune in to see who their clubs will face. The nationalisation of the draw at this stage means no regional split; any club can face any other, making for unpredictable pairings and, potentially, long away trips for some. For the players and supporters, this phase is where the dream of a cup run begins to feel real.
Key Dates: When Will the Matches Take Place?
According to The FA, the fourth round proper is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026. However, fixture congestion—particularly for teams also competing in the Emirates FA Cup—may require adjustments. Macclesfield, for instance, is set to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on January 10, and thus their FA Trophy fixture is likely to be moved to Tuesday, January 13, with a 7:45pm kick-off.
For clubs and fans, this means careful planning—not just for the matches themselves, but for travel and logistics, especially given the potential for long journeys across England. The timing also means that the Trophy will be contested amid the heart of winter football, adding another layer of challenge for the teams involved.
What’s at Stake? The Road to Wembley
The FA Trophy may not have the global recognition of its big brother, the FA Cup, but for non-league clubs and their communities, it’s a vital source of pride and ambition. Reaching the fourth round signals a real opportunity; from here, the dream of a trip to Wembley becomes tangible. The competition is known for its unpredictability—underdogs have made deep runs in the past, and established teams have fallen at unexpected hurdles.
For supporters, the draw is more than just a list of fixtures. It’s the spark that ignites hope, debate, and anticipation. Will a local derby emerge? Will a minnow get the chance to upset a giant? These questions linger in the minds of fans as they await the outcome.
Looking Ahead: Broadcast and Fan Engagement
The decision to air the draw live on talkSPORT 2 is testament to the Trophy’s growing profile. Presenters Olly Clink and Adrian Clarke bring a sense of occasion, their commentary adding to the drama. In an era where non-league football is gaining more attention, events like this serve to connect clubs with wider audiences, drawing in new fans and reaffirming the loyalty of old ones.
As soon as the draw is complete, clubs will begin preparing in earnest—not just tactically, but emotionally. For some, it’s a chance to make history; for others, it’s about sustaining momentum and keeping dreams alive.
Fans, players, and managers alike will be glued to their radios and social feeds, eager for the match-ups that could define their seasons. The FA Trophy’s fourth round is about more than football; it’s about community, hope, and the enduring appeal of the beautiful game.
As the FA Trophy enters its fourth round, the draw’s national scope and competitive field offer a vivid snapshot of English football’s diversity and passion. While the headlines will focus on fixtures and dates, the real story is in the anticipation and pride these clubs carry into the next chapter of their journey. For many, the road to Wembley starts here—and every ball drawn is a new thread in the tapestry of the cup’s history.