The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round returns this weekend, and in a curious twist of fate, Kings Langley face a familiar trip- heading to Cockfosters for the second consecutive season.

The two sides met at Chalk Farm last year, with a 1-1 draw forcing a replay at The Orbital Fasteners Stadium. That game was ultimately decided by a late winner from then 16-year-old striker Flinn Filler.

Fast forward twelve months, and Kings- now under the guidance of manager Steve Heath- make their second-ever FA Cup visit to Cockfosters. Both teams now compete in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, adding an extra layer of familiarity to the tie.

Thanks to the early start of the Spartan League campaign, both clubs come into the fixture with two competitive games already under their belts.

Cockfosters have made a strong start, picking up four points from their opening fixtures. They began the season with a commanding win over Crawley Green and followed it up with a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Arlesey Town on Tuesday night.

Kings Langley also opened with a victory, defeating last season’s play-off finalists Wormley Rovers. However, they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat away to former Step 4 side Haringey Borough in midweek.

Manager Steve Heath is hopeful his experienced squad can build some cup momentum, but he’s well aware of the challenge ahead.

“We’ve had a tough week of fixtures- play-off finalists on Saturday, Haringey Borough away on Tuesday, and now Cockfosters, who finished third last year, in the cup,” said Heath. “But every club at this level wants a cup run, and we’re no different. The boys will be right up for it.”

Kings will be counting on the leadership and attacking flair of returning duo Louie Collier and Kieran Turner. They'll also be hoping skipper Alfie Osborne recovers from the knock that kept him out of Tuesday’s match in North London.

With both sides evenly matched and plenty of early-season momentum in play, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair. A place in the next round - and all the excitement and opportunity that comes with an FA Cup run - is on the line. For Kings Langley, it's a chance to measure their progress under new management; for Cockfosters, it’s a shot at redemption and a reminder of last year’s unfinished business.

Expect drama, determination, and a classic cup battle.