Buckhurst Hill enjoyed a dream Emirates FA Cup debut with an Extra Preliminary Round victory against Walthamstow, as the road to Wembley started on a bumper weekend.
With 208 ties scheduled for the first stage of the 2022-2023 season, the Stags were one of the stories of the day in their first ever Emirates FA Cup match.
After a rise through the ranks from grassroots football to the Isthmian League, they continued to make history with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Jake Moss and Keaton Moore.
Winners secured £1,125 in prize money and there were plenty of celebrations up and down the country, with some big results.
Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest football club, secured safe passage to the Preliminary Round with a 4-0 win away to Eccleshill United.
Steven McDonnell and Nathan Modest put the Yorkshiremen 2-0 up inside 10 minutes, while Adam Watson and a Marc Newsham penalty completed the job and set up a Preliminary Round clash with Glossop North End.
Chris Dagnall scored twice for Hanley Town in their 5-1 win at Hereford Lads Club. Hanley, who have former Stoke City left-back Carl Dickinson as player-manager and his former Potters teammate Ryan Shotton in the first XI, recovered from Kiea Cowley’s 10th minute strike to ease through thanks to goals from Dagnall (2), Reece Jones, Jacob Twyford and Jake Avery.
Several ties will head to a replay, including that involving FA Vase winners Newport Pagnall Town, who drew 2-2 away to Stotfold.
Scott Piggott gave the hosts a 1-0 half-time lead but Albie Hall equalised for the Swans after a goalkeeper fumble. Mason Spence’s stunning strike put Stotfold back ahead but another goalkeeper error allowed Mo Ahmed to tap into an empty ned 18 minutes from time to secure Town a replay.
Spelthorn Sports FC will host Bearsted on Tuesday after they staged a sensational second-half comeback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3, while Ashford Town (Middlesex) enjoyed the biggest win of the day, as a Ricky Johnson hat-trick inspired them to an 8-0 win at 10-man Saltdean United FC.
Elsewhere, Leighton Town put on a show in their 9-2 success against Baldock Town and Stourport Swifts and Trafford FC both won 6-0 against AFC Liverpool and Hereford Pegasus respectively.
Friday evening’s nine ties featured a hat-trick for Trey Charles in St Neots Town’s 6-1 win away at Walsham Le Willows.
Click here for a full list of results.
