Beverley Town held their nerve in a thrilling penalty shootout as the 2026-27 Women’s FA Cup got underway at the preliminary round stage.
Over the course of 143 ties, nearly 300 sides across Tier 6 and 7 fought for the right to make it through to first round qualifying and there was no shortage of drama across the country.
There was plenty of it at Beverley, who drew 1-1 with Sherburn White Rose after normal time before winning 8-7 on spot-kicks. The hosts named goalkeeper Lydia Webb player of the match following her decisive role.
Carlisle United were involved in a similarly nerve-shredding shootout against Harrogate Railway, ultimately winning 7-6, Shrewsbury Up and Comers defeated Bolehall Swifts 5-4 on penalties after a cagey 0-0 draw while Stanground Cardea Sports shutout Bugbrooke St Michaels 3-0 in their shootout after they were locked at 1-1 in 90 minutes.
Walsall found their shooting boots as they struck 18 without reply past Inkberrow, while Milton Keynes Irish struck 11 against Brackley Town Ladies.
Wigan Athletic Women are through to the next round after a 10-0 win over Winton Wanderers, as are Wigan Athletic Girls and Ladies, who defeated Oldham Athletic 4-1. Woolton, Andover New Street and Berkhamsted also hit double figures.
It was a closer affair at Heaton Hawks, who were beaten 4-3 in a thriller at home to Heddon United, while Beth Jones scored a hat-trick as Melbourne Dynamo beat Woodhall Spa United by the same scoreline.
Wolviston edged out Whitehaven by the odd goal in five and Ashford United defeated Ashmount Leigh 2-1.
Guernsey hit the ground running on their Women’s FA Cup debut, with Calleigh Hedley putting her side in front after just two minutes against Chessington & Hook United.
The visitors equalised only for Hedley, playing her first game in almost a year, to put the hosts back in front.
But Sophia Demitriou’s second and Emily Waterfall-Oldham’s strike on the stroke of half time gave Chessington a lead they held on to through a goalless second half.
Amber Saunders was quick out the blocks for Slough Town, opening the scoring after just 28 seconds at Ashridge Park.
Saunders went on to complete her hat-trick, with Megan Duffy (2) and Evie Smith also on target as the visitors won 6-0.
The day’s late afternoon kick-off saw Camden Town win 7-0 at Oxted and seal their place in first round qualifying, which will see 61 more teams enter the competition and is to be played on September 6.
To catch up on all the results from across the preliminary round, click here.
Picture courtesy of @ThompsonSinead / @SloughTownLFC on X
