The FA Cup returns to Plainmoor on Saturday as Torquay United begin their 2026/27 campaign against a side who know plenty about knockout football.
AFC Stoneham may play two levels below the Gulls, but the Hampshire club arrive as the reigning FA Vase holders, having lifted the trophy at Wembley just four months ago.
And if anyone needed reminding of the danger of taking lower-ranked opposition lightly, Jimmy Ball’s message this week could hardly have been clearer.
“You don’t win that Vase by accident,” said the United boss.
WHO ARE AFC STONEHAM?
Based near Eastleigh, Stoneham are enjoying one of the most successful periods in their history.
Last season they finally secured promotion from the Wessex League Premier Division after several years of near misses, winning the championship with six games remaining and earning a first-ever season at Step 4.
Their crowning moment came at Wembley in May.
After a goalless FA Vase Final against Cockfosters, goalkeeper Callum Lee helped Stoneham win the penalty shootout 4-2 and lift a national trophy beneath the Wembley arch.
That pedigree is one reason Ball has spent this week preaching respect.
He knows Stoneham well from his time in Hampshire football and describes them as a good cup side with an experienced squad and strong management team. He expects Saturday to be anything but straightforward.
“No one has a divine right in football,” said Ball.
“We are where we are and you have to be humble, keep your feet on the ground and fight hard every day to achieve stuff.”
For Ball, the size of Plainmoor, United’s Football League history and the difference between the clubs’ current league positions count for very little once the whistle blows.
CUP SPECIALISTS
Stoneham have carried last season’s knockout habit into the new campaign, delighting boss James Phillips (pictured above).
They began their FA Cup journey back on August 8 with a 2-0 victory at East Cowes Victoria Athletic.
A 3-3 draw with Badshot Lea was followed by a 2-0 replay victory, with Tyrrell Sampson and Duarte Martins on target.
The First Qualifying Round then produced their most eye-catching result yet.
Stoneham held Southern League Premier Division side Basingstoke Town to a 0-0 draw away from home before beating their Step 3 opponents 1-0 in the replay.
So although their first few weeks adjusting to Step 4 have been challenging, their FA Cup record reads four wins and a draw from five matches.
That is precisely why Ball is taking them so seriously.
United have watched footage, gathered reports and prepared for Stoneham in exactly the same way they would for a National League South opponent.
ONES TO WATCH
Tyrrell Sampson is one of the visitors’ main attacking threats and has already scored twice during this season’s FA Cup run.
Duarte Martins (pictured below) is another danger man. He struck twice in the 3-3 draw with Badshot Lea, scored from the spot in the replay and was also part of Stoneham’s Wembley-winning side.
And there is a familiar face for the Yellow Army in Jake Thomson. The experienced midfielder spent time on loan at Plainmoor from Southampton during the 2009/10 season and started for Stoneham in their FA Vase Final victory at Wembley.
BALL AND THE FA CUP
Saturday also carries special significance for the United manager.
Ball enjoyed an excellent FA Cup run with AFC Totton last season – one which began, rather painfully from a Torquay perspective, with a 2-0 victory over the Gulls at this same Second Round Qualifying stage.
Totton eventually reached the First Round Proper, where they were involved in an extraordinary tie at Macclesfield.
The game was 3-3 at half-time before Macclesfield eventually prevailed 6-3.
Ball remembers the run fondly and remains a huge believer in the competition.
“I absolutely love it,” he said. “I’d love nothing more than a run and some excitement and some dreams, because that’s what it is.”
But there is another motivation.
For Ball, doing better in the FA Cup would be another sign that Torquay United are moving forward.
“A cup run would mean a step forward and progress,” he said.
“For me it would be progress. All I want to do is progress on last season – go one better than last season in every aspect that I possibly can.”
United come into the tie with some momentum too, having beaten Folkestone Invicta 3-2 and Maidenhead United 4-0 before last weekend’s entertaining 2-2 draw with Dorking Wanderers.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
First and foremost, a place in the Third Round Qualifying.
There is money at stake too.
The winners on Saturday receive £3,375 in FA Cup prize money, with the losing club receiving £1,125. Win again in the next round and the prize rises to £5,625.
And FA Cup gate money works differently from a normal league game at Plainmoor.
The ticket income does not simply stay with the home club. After VAT and permitted match costs – including officials and Stoneham’s allowable travel and accommodation expenses – the remaining net gate receipts are split 50/50 between the two clubs.
In simple terms: a good crowd on Saturday benefits both clubs, while a longer FA Cup run brings increasingly valuable prize money and the possibility of bigger gates and broadcast income further down the road.
TICKETS – PLAINMOOR PASS HOLDERS NEED TO BUY
One important reminder for the Yellow Army:
2026/27 Plainmoor Passes cover league fixtures only and are not valid for Saturday’s FA Cup tie. All Pass holders therefore need to purchase a separate match ticket.
The Club has reduced prices across Plainmoor for the game:
- Adults – £10
- Under-18s – £5
Under-14s must be accompanied by a paying adult, with Under-3s free when sharing an adult’s seat.
Tickets can be bought in advance, while home supporters on the Popside can also pay by card at the designated turnstiles on Saturday.
Stoneham supporters will be accommodated in Bristow’s Bench Block A.
A £30 hospitality package, including the match ticket, two-course meal, TUFC Legend interview and FA Cup quiz, is also available in The Cove.
THE FINAL WORD
Stoneham arrive as underdogs – but very dangerous ones.
They are reigning FA Vase winners, have already eliminated higher-ranked opposition in this season’s competition and possess exactly the sort of experienced players who will relish an afternoon at Plainmoor.
Ball knows from personal experience how far momentum can carry a non-league club in the FA Cup.
Last season he was on the opposite side when Torquay’s campaign ended at the first hurdle.
This time his ambition is rather different.
Progress.
Torquay United v AFC Stoneham
Emirates FA Cup – Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 19th September | 3pm | Plainmoor
Adults £10 | Under-18s £5
Plainmoor Pass holders must purchase a match ticket.
