Brackley Bow Out But No Other Emirates FA Cup Replay Shocks

By Steve Whitney

Tuesday night presented several teams the opportunity to complete an upset in their respective Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round replays - and know who their First Round opponents are following Monday`s draw.

However, in the end, only one of the nine ties produced a `surprise` outcome, and that could be debated given the situation at Bostik League Premier club Billericay Town at present.

The hugely-ambitious Essex outfit completed the task of knocking out Vanarama National League North high-flyers Brackley Town at the AGP Arena and will go on to meet league rivals Leatherhead in the next round.

In front of a crowd of 1,464, first half goals from Rob Evans after 28 minutes and Sam Deering 4 minutes later put the home side in control before Aaron Williams got Saints back in the game 3 minutes before the break.

The Northamptonshire visitors had chances in the second half but they were unable to get back on level terms.

Billericay had Evans sent-off just before the final whistle for a second bookable offence, but that came too late to have a serious affect on the outcome.

Evo-Stik League North club Ossett Town, the lowest-ranked team playing on the night, were unable to breach the gap between them and National League side Solihull Moors in their replay at Ingfield.

Ossett’s hopes of an appearance in the First Round against Wycombe Wanderers were dashed as they lost 2-1.

In front of a crowd of 1,176, Ossett were up against it from the early stages, conceding after just 8 minutes to a Joel Kettle goal.

Then late in the first half, Ossett gave away a penalty which was converted by former Birmingham City midfielder Darren Carter.

The second half saw Ossett keep pressing and they were eventually rewarded with a goal for Alex Peterson, with 14 minutes to go.

But they were unable to find an equaliser.

Travelling to SkyBet League One strugglers Gillingham on November 4th are Leyton Orient after they overcame East London National League rivals Dagenham & Redbridge 1-0 in their replay at the Matchroom Stadium.

It was as tight as the initial tie last Saturday and it was one goal that eventually separated the teams.

Macauley Bonne's 23rd minute goal from a David Mooney cross settled it in the end.

The Daggers came mighty close to forcing extra-time, but O`s keeper Charlie Grainger first denied Morgan Ferrier with a brilliant save before defender Michael Clark produced a magnificent challenge 5 minutes into stoppage time to deny Fejiri Okenabirhie.

Another all-National League replay saw Bromley record a comfortable 3-0 win over Kent rivals Dover Athletic and earn a trip to Rochdale in the next round.

Second half goals in the space of 3 minutes from Josh Rees and ex-Dover player Adam Mekki did the damage before substitute Louis Dennis netted a third in stoppage time.

The all-National League North replay between Boston United and Chorley did go to extra-time before eventually going the way of the visiting Magpies.

A cup classic at The Jakemans Stadium saw the Pilgrims lead twice through James Clifton and Kabongo Tshimanga either side of half-time, only for Nick Haughton to take centre stage with a well-taken hat-trick.

Visiting skipper Andy Teague scored the Magpies' second equaliser and substitute Gregg Smith forced extra-time for the Pilgrims with a leveller of his own 8 minutes from time.

Matt Hughes saw red for the visitors in extra-time.

So, the result sets up a Lancastrian derby for Chorley in the First Round as they host League One side Fleetwood Town at Victory Road.

National League Ebbsfleet United will host Fleetwood`s league rivals Doncaster Rovers in the First Round after knocking out National League South side East Thurrock United 3-0 at Stonebridge Road.

Two goals in 3 second half minutes effectively killed the tie off.

Fleet broke the deadlock after 58 minutes when Andy Drury volleyed home Jack Powell's corner.

Aaron McLean had only been on the pitch for a few minutes when he made it 2-0 in the 61st minute with a neat header inside the far post after a cross from Scott Shields.

And the home side wrapped up the tie with a third goal 2 minutes into stoppage time from Myles Weston.

Fleet`s Kent neighbours and league rivals Maidstone United will face League Two Cheltenham Town, but it took extra-time to see off Bostik Premier side Enfield Town at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium.

Zavon Hines, who missed a penalty in the first game, gave the Stones the lead 3 minutes after half-time.

Maidstone United should have been through when they were awarded their third penalty of the tie midway through the second half but this time Joe Pigott’s strike was saved by Town `keeper Joe Wright.

It proved costly as Enfield equalised through Aaron Green in the 73rd minute to force extra-time.

But Alex Finney restored United’s lead from a corner in the 102nd minute and substitute Jai Reason added the visitors’ third minutes later to kill off Enfield.

It took extra-time too at the Aspect Arena before National League Woking could celebrate a place in the First Round yet again.

National League South side Concord Rangers may be struggling in the bread and butter of the league, but they certainly gave the Cards two tough matches.

Femi Akinwande cancelled out Regan Charles-Cook's early 7th minute opener for the visitors after 32 minutes.

When it looked as though the tie was going to penalties, Woking`s found the back of the net to advance to the first round and will face Bury at Concord's expense.

And Woking were able to secure a 2-1 win after scoring a 118th minute winner through Charlie Carter.

Where next?

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