National League Delight in FA Cup First Round Weekend!

Chorley (pictured above) were the main headliners makers, securing their place in tomorrow’s draw with an extra-time victory over 2013 cup winners Wigan Athletic.

The National League North outfit had fallen to a two-goal deficit before Adam Long’s red card for the hosts changed the complexion of the tie.

Goals from Elliott Newby and Harry Cardwell took the match to extra-time, leading to Connor Hall’s clinical finish putting the Magpies through to the Second Round for the first time in 30 years.

Elsewhere, Peter Beadle’s Barnet also swept aside League One opponents in Burton Albion.

One of the few survivors of the Bees’ famous FA Cup run two seasons ago, Wes Fonguck, was the hero thanks to a wonderful first-half winner to separate the teams.

They are joined by Solihull Moors in progressing against an EFL club. Stephen Gleeson’s two penalties were the difference in a 3-2 win at Scunthorpe United.

Memories of a 2008 trip to Liverpool were fresh in the minds of Havant & Waterlooville supporters as Paul Doswell’s men moved one step closer to a potential money-spinning Round Three tie.

Despite a red card on the hour mark against Cray Valley (PM), the Hawks held on to their lead to ensure a possible Round Two clash with Portsmouth on November 28th.

Valiant efforts came from Eastleigh, Torquay United- defeated on penalties and in extra-time, respectively- Hampton & Richmond Borough and Eastbourne Borough, who all fell to higher level opposition.

Today’s four winning National League teams join the seven already through to the Second Round.

Darlington overcame a long trip and three-division gap to defeat League One Swindon Town in one of the biggest surprises of the round.

Adam Campbell’s goals sealed either side of the interval gave the Quakers reward for a fine team performance at the County Ground.

Third-tier opposition were also beaten by Stockport County, with John Rooney’s spectacular halfway-line strike the round’s standout moment in the football’s oldest cup competition.

Both Boreham Wood and Brackley Town saw their First Round fate sealed with penalty shootout wins over Southend United and Bishop Stortford, respectively. Concord Rangers were knocked out by Stevenage by the same deciding method.

Ian Holloway’s Grimsby Town were given a shock as Scott Wilson scored twice in a Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 victory.

King’s Lynn Town caused an upset by overcoming a tough tie at Port Vale. The winner came late through teenage substitute Sonny Carey.

In an all-National League affair, Yeovil Town progressed against Bromley after 30 additional minutes thanks to Gabby Rogers’ first senior goal.

Woking suffered cup heartache at Gillingham, losing by a single goal after taking a two-goal lead.

Hartlepool United, Tonbridge Angels and AFC Fylde saw their cup journeys ended at the First Round hurdle by League Two outfits.

The final match of the First Round takes place tomorrow evening as South division side Oxford City face Northampton Town. The televised clash follows the Second Round draw on BT Sport.

Photo Credit: Stefan Willoughby