BELFAST (Interstat) — A peculiar continental twist awaits the FA Cup on Sunday, May 17, 2026, when Eastbourne United hosts Berkhamsted at The Oval in a first-round replay originally scheduled for England.

Eastbourne United (1-1-2 this season) enters as the nominal home side despite the neutral venue in Northern Ireland. The club has played only two matches since August, most recently a 1-0 loss to Varndeanians on Sept. 13, 2025. Its only victory came Aug. 2, 2025, a 4-1 win over East Grinstead.

Berkhamsted (1-2-2) arrives with more recent match action. The visitors played a 1-1 draw with North Leigh on Jan. 10, 2026, needing extra time to force the tie. Prior to that, Berkhamsted lost 1-0 at Cray Valley Paper Mills FC on Oct. 4, 2025, and 3-0 at Billericay Town on Sept. 13, 2025. Its lone win came Aug. 30, 2025, a 2-0 victory over Saint Ives Town.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw, while Interstat’s ELO system gives Eastbourne United a 63.70 percent probability of victory. The winner advances to the second round.