Witton Albion produced a remarkable comeback to shock Boston United 4-2 in The Buildbase FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying and book a First-Round tie with National League Chester.
Evo-Stik Division One South Witton sit two tiers below National League North Boston and that disparity was apparent in the early stages of a manic first half as the Pilgrims raced into a 2-0 lead inside six minutes.
Firstly, Joe Maguire produced a thumping volley from a corner before Marcus Marshall’s stooping close-range header doubled their advantage.
But Albion got themselves back in the game on 20 minutes when Brad Bauress curled a beautiful free-kick in off the upright and Rob Hopley powered Bauress’ cross home with his head five minutes later to level proceedings at 2-2.
Witton continued to dominate and Tom Owens had them ahead on 37 minutes as he fired Karl Noon’s pass into the roof of the net, while there was still time for a sixth goal before the break – Owens drilling home after a defensive mix-up to give the underdogs a 4-2 advantage.
A quieter second half suited the home side as they comfortably saw the game out and will host Chester, who are chasing a place in the Football League, on Saturday.
Witton weren’t the only Evo-Stik Division One South side to book their place in the Buildbase FA Trophy First Round as Stocksbridge Park Steels also overcame a higher-division opponent by dispatching Stalybridge Celtic 3-2.
Nathaniel Crofts turned home Harrison Biggins’ low cross before Matt Reay’s thumping header made it 2-0 to Steels.
Darren McKnight’s curled effort got the National League North side back into the contest but Adam Hinchcliffe produced a 25-yard cracker to restore the two-goal advantage.
Celtic did make it 3-2 in bizarre circumstances as Liam Dickinson’s clearance from the edge of his own box could only be pushed on to the post by back-pedalling Steels stopper David Reay, giving Andy Owens the simplest of tap-ins.
Yet Stocksbridge held on to reach the First Round and book a trip to Nuneaton Town.
Nuneaton sealed their passage by thrashing FC United of Manchester 5-1 in front of 736 people – Reece Styche, Joe Ironside, Jordan Nicholson, David Morgan and Aaron Williams all found the net for Boro.
Harrogate Town comfortably saw off Salford City 3-0 in their replay as Joe Leesley, Joe Colbeck and Andi Thanoj did the damage, while a Kieran Charnock goal was the difference between Chorley and Stafford Rangers.
Marine edged Darlington 1883 3-2, Royston Town squeaked by Hampton & Richmond Borough 2-1 and Leiston needed penalties to dispatch Eastbourne Borough – winning 5-3 on spot-kicks following a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, Altrincham and Blyth Spartans will need a replay after drawing 2-2 in their tie.
