Slough Town to host derby rivals Maidenhead United in FA Trophy

Sean Marks scored with a diving header when Maidenhead United defeated Slough Town 4-2 in the county cup in the 2016/17 season.

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The third round of the FA Trophy has thrown up a corker of a tie, with Slough Town to host derby rivals Maidenhead United at Arbour Park for the first time ever.

The tie – dubbed the ‘SLClassico’ by fans - will see National League side Maidenhead travel to their National League South neighbours on Saturday, December 7.

The two teams have been in contrasting form of late which should make for an intriguing clash.

Maidenhead’s 1-0 loss at Sutton United on Saturday was their eighth match without a win in all competitions – leaving them two points from safety in the National League.

In contrast, Slough’s victory over Dorking Wanderers last week lifted them back into the National League South play-off places and within six points of the league leaders.

They booked their place in the third round of the competition with a penalty shoot out victory over step three side Chatham Town on Saturday. It looked like Scott Davies’ side may be exiting the competition as they struggled to respond to Jordy Mongoy’s first half strike for the visitors. However, John Gilbert scored from a cross which deceived everyone in the area in second half stoppage time to take the tie to penalty kicks. The home side then held their nerve to come through the shootout 4-2 and set up this mouthwatering clash with the Magpies.

United and Slough haven’t played each other much in recent years, however, they did meet in a memorable Berks & Bucks Senior Cup clash during Maidenhead’s promotion campaign. Slough came from behind to lead 2-1 at York Road, however, goals from Jordon Cox, Sean Marks and James Mulley saw the home side come from behind to claim a 4-2 win.

It's been a while, but the #SLClassico is back! pic.twitter.com/kkzQmlALMN

— Maidenhead United (@MUFCYorkRoad) November 18, 2024

The two sides met again in the same competition a few seasons later, with Maidenhead again emerging victorious, in the week Scott Davies replaced Neil Baker and Jon Underwood as Rebels boss.

The third-round draw took place live on TalkSPORT2 this afternoon, with the draw split into northern and southern sections. The 32 ties will take place on Saturday, December 7 and – with no replays at this stage of the competition – matches that are drawn after 90 minutes will be settled by a penalty shootout.

Winners in the third round will receive £4,500 from the FA’s prize fund while losing teams will take home £1,250.

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The draw

NORTH

Basford United v Halifax Town

Hartlepool United v Tamworth

AFC Fylde v Kidderminster Harriers

Gateshead v Farsley Celtic

Stockton Town v Oldham Athletic

Southport v Peterborough Sports

Solihull Moors v Radcliffe

Boston United v Alvechurch

Altrincham v Macclesfield

Leamington v Rochdale

York City v Darlington

Gainsborough Trinity v Rushall Olympic

Chorley v Warrington Rylands

Alfreton Town v Spennymoor Town

SOUTH

Chertsey Town v Dagenham & Redbridge

Braintree Town v Forest Green Rovers

Barnet v Aveley

Sutton United v Ebbsfleet United

Boreham Wood v Eastbourne Borough

Aldershot Town v Wealdstone

Oxford City v Hadley

Woking v Havant & Waterlooville

Sittingbourne v Enfield Town

Torquay United v Horsham

Yeovil Town v Weymouth

Chesham United v Salisbury

Biggleswade Town v AFC Totton

Hanwell Town v Eastleigh

Brentwood Town v Southend United

Slough Town v Maidenhead United

Worthing v Gosport Borough

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Hashtag United