Lucas Yeomans and James Fletcher present the FA Cup commentary as Stafford Tigers face Grimsby Town

The English FA Cup competition takes place on 8 November 2026, with the match running between the Stafford Rangers and Grimsby Town. Commentary for the event will be provided across a range of channels, with presenters and commentators delivering the play-by-play that fans have come to rely on throughout the season.

The broadcast will be front-loaded with BBC channels, beginning with BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Radio Stoke, where Lucas Yeomans takes the role of presenter. The same pair, with Lucas Yeomans presenting alongside the commentary of Matt Dean as main commentator and Gary Croft as co-commentator, will also feature on BBC Radio Humberside. Fans can tune into the audio feed through the BBC Sounds APP and BBC Sport Online, where James Fletcher and Lucas Yeomans present, with the same commentary team of Matt Dean and Gary Croft delivering the match details.

For those who prefer a different style of coverage, the HBO Max (UK only) and TNT Sports 1 HD (UK) channels offer a further presentation. Here, Lynsey Hipgrave presents the coverage, with Jamely Lyall as main commentator and Steve McManaman as co-commentator. Paddlers on these channels will be joined by Martin Keown and Kevin Nolan as pundits, while Liam MacDevitt acts as reporter. The highlights feed on TNT Sports mirrors this, with Jamely Lyall and Steve McManaman providing the commentary.

The role of the BBC channels and their presenters

The BBC channels form the backbone of this year's coverage, and their presenters bring a wealth of experience to the table. Lucas Yeomans has been a long-standing presence in the broadcasting world, having served as a presenter across radio, TV and social media for the BBC. Notable work includes reporting for BBC News and hosting various tour events, reflecting a career that has spanned both match commentary and broader media roles.

James Fletcher brings a different kind of background, having worked as a freelance sports commentator for the BBC across multiple radio outlets. His profile suggests a strong connection to the sport, having followed teams such as Scarborough Athletic closely over the years. This blend of presenters ensures that the BBC coverage remains both reliable and engaging throughout the match.

The commentary teams and their roles

The main commentator, Matt Dean, is a key figure in the coverage, appearing on both the BBC and TNT Sports channels. His role as senior journalist within the BBC's sport division highlights his importance in delivering accurate and detailed commentary. Gary Croft, the co-commentator, complements this by providing additional insights and supporting the main commentary throughout the match.

On the TNT Sports channels, Jamely Lyall takes on the main commentator role, working alongside Steve McManaman as co-commentator. This pair, along with the pundits and reporter, form a comprehensive team that ensures every aspect of the match is covered. Their combined expertise adds depth to the coverage, allowing fans to follow the match with confidence.

Why watch this match?

The FA Cup competition represents one of the most significant events of the season, with the Stafford Rangers and Grimsby Town bringing their own unique strengths to the field. Whether you prefer the BBC channels or the TNT Sports feed, there is a presentation that suits your needs. The involvement of multiple presenters and commentators ensures that the coverage is both detailed and accessible, making it easy to follow the action regardless of your preferred channel.

As the match unfolds, fans can look forward to a rich and engaging experience, with each channel offering its own perspective on the competition. The combination of experienced presenters and commentators, along with the diverse range of channels available, makes this FA Cup match one to be watched closely. For more information on the competition and its participants, fans can visit the official Premier League website or explore the profiles of individual players and teams.

Article generated: 8 November 2026, 12:10 GMT