National League Delight in FA Cup First Round Weekend!

By Oliver Osborn

Twelve National League clubs make it into the FA Cup Second Round draw from an incredible few days of cup football.

St Albans City made the headlines with the big upset of the weekend, beating Forest Green Rovers 3-2 at a sell-out Clarence Park.

Red-hot forward Shaun Jeffers tapped home late on to equal the best ever FA Cup run in the club’s history.

In today’s other games involving National League sides, Stockport County and Notts County secured replays against EFL clubs on the road.

Dave Challinor was roared on by 5,000 travelling Hatters to a draw at four-time winners Bolton Wanderers in his first match as Stockport boss.

Scott Quigley and Ben Whitfield strikes came either side of a quick-fire double for the hosts in a frantic first half.

Edgeley Park will be the venue for the replay.

Kyle Wootton’s header gained Notts County a second chance to cause a shock over Rochdale.

Four sides made their way through in all-National League affairs in yesterday’s action.

Kidderminster Harriers stole the show Saturday night for upsetting high-flying Grimsby Town from the division above.

In-form Ashley Hemmings’ penalty guided Harriers through at Aggborough to the Second Round for the first time in eight years.

The shock at the Shay was an unbelievable eleven goals being scored as FC Halifax Town fired seven past Maidenhead United.

Vanarama National League table toppers Boreham Wood have eyes on reaching the Third Round for a second consecutive campaign after Scott Boden’s brace saw off Eastleigh.

Despite going behind early to Southend United, Chesterfield progressed at the Technique Stadium with a 3-1 win.

The Glovers are hoping to be handed a winnable tie in the next round as Yeovil Town provided a five-goal demolition of Yate Town away from home.

Gateshead, Altrincham and Solihull Moors join those sides in the hat but must negotiate a replay first in nine days’ time.

Neal Ardley’s Moors battled hard to earn a second go at League One leaders Wigan Athletic following a stalemate away from home, while Heed and the Robins face again after their 2-2 draw.

A replay would have been a lifeline for York City who, despite hosting their highest attendance at their new home, bow out after defeat to Buxton from the division below.

The remaining National League outfits knocked out of the FA Cup this weekend were defeated by higher tier opposition.

Trips to Yorkshire to face Rotherham United and Harrogate Town were a step too far for Bromley and Wrexham, respectively.

Havant & Waterlooville gave a good account of themselves at The Valley where they faced Charlton Athletic, but came unstuck through second-half goals for the hosts.

Fellow sixth-tier sides Guiseley and Ebbsfleet United also saw their cup runs come to an end in the capital, both losing by a single-goal margin.

Elsewhere, King’s Lynn Town fell to a home defeat by the same 1-0 scoreline against League Two Walsall.

The FA Cup Second Round draw takes place Monday evening following the conclusion of Dagenham & Redbridge vs Salford City.

Where next?

Trio Celebrate October National League North Accolades It’s time to honour October’s finest as the great and the good of the National League North get their hands on the monthly gongs.
What Happened On Saturday Across The National League It wasn’t just FA Cup shocks served up today - the National League North and South leaders slipped on banana skins too.

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