The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Preliminary Round
Friday 31 August 2007
Winning clubs receive £1,000
Click here for results

Sam McCarthy scored four goals as Stansted flew into the First Round Qualifying of The FA Cup with a 4-1 local derby win over neighbours St Margaretsbury on Friday night.

A crowd of 145 saw 23-year-old striker McCarthy follow up a league hat-trick with four goals in the world’s greatest Cup competition during a one-sided tie.

McCarthy has only been at the Essex-based club since March, but will be aiming to help Stansted rocket over the next hurdle.

The furthest Stansted have ever reached is the Third Round Qualifying ten years ago, but club secretary Terry Shoebridge has tipped them to do well. They now face an away trip to either Stotfold or Potton United.

Shoebridge said: "I think we have every chance of getting through to the next round. We play the same way regardless of whether we are at home or away and we always go for the win.

"As long as we keep the team fit and free of suspension then I think we will do very well this season."

Meanwhile, Erith and Belvedere notched up a Kent derby win over Ashford Town and showed some fighting spirit to progress through to the next round.

The home side played with ten-men for nearly 80 minutes, after Mark Nougher was red-carded early on after seemingly clashing with Ashford’s Tony Browne.

But despite being a man short the Deres took the lead nine minutes before half-time when Adrian Deane ffound the net.

And striker Nick Smith struck the home side’s second goal late on to ensure a heroic performance culminated in a deserved win.

Hallam FC and AFC Emley face a replay after a 2-2 draw while Kidsgrove Athletic won 3-1 over Oldbury United at Pelsall Villa’s ground.

For the full list of fixtures for this weekend's games, click here or for a round-up of the Preliminary Round results so far, click here...