SE Dons and Tadley Calleva both continued their fairytale Emirates FA Cup runs with stunning victories in the third round qualifying.
Both ninth-tier sides defeated higher opposition to progress to the fourth round qualifying for the first time in their respective histories.
Dons are making their debut in the world’s oldest cup competition this season and emphatically defeated Weymouth by 5-1 to continue their impressive maiden appearance, while Tadley came from behind to stun Dartford by 2-1.
Dons enjoyed a dream afternoon on the south coast, with Dominic Morgan-Griffiths giving the south Londoners the lead after 18 minutes before goals either side of half time from Joshua Bohui and Ralfi Hand put them in control.
Jordan Gugas-Cowin put the contest beyond doubt on the hour and Walter Figueira wrapped up a famous victory late on after Brooklyn Genesini had pulled one back for the Terras.
Meanwhile Tadley produced a brilliant comeback against Dartford, with late strikes from Charlie Barlow and Brad Passfield putting them through.
Dartford, who sit two tiers above their opponents, looked set to progress following Dan Smith’s early opener and Ryan Sandford’s second-half penalty save but Barlow equalised for Tadley with 15 minutes remaining before Passfield netted a late winner to spark jubilant scenes at Barlows Park.
A major cupset! 🤯@TadleyCallevaFC have knocked out Dartford FC, who play two levels higher, with this late winner at Barlows Park 👇 pic.twitter.com/fRSb3U50ad
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) October 3, 2026
Trafford FC will also be in the hat after they came seconds away from beating Atherton Collieries. The sides will meet again on Tuesday after a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Colls’ Essa Janneh equalising in the 90th minute to force a replay.
It was defeat for the two other ninth-tier sides. Cirencester Town’s journey came to an end away at Truro City, with the Tinners running out 4-0 winners in Cornwall, while Barton Town were beaten 4-1 by Chorley.
There was also victory against higher-ranked opposition in the televised early kick-off, as debutant Alfie Cerulli scored twice to fire Brentwood Town to a 3-1 win against Dagenham & Redbridge.
Cerulli only signed for the Wood on Friday but came off the bench to score twice in three minutes to seal a 3-1 victory for the seventh-tier side.
Luke Read had grabbed the opener after just eight minutes before Cerulli’s brace, and while Tim Dieng pulled one back for the sixth-tier Daggers late on, it was not enough to stop Brett Munyard’s side progressing.
Victory continues Munyard’s excellent impact in Essex, with the 35-year-old unbeaten since arriving from nearby Aveley less than a month ago.
He's done it again 🤯
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) October 3, 2026
Debutant Alfie Cerulli has given @BrentwoodTownFC a third over @Dag_RedFC 😳
📺 @BBCMOTD #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/ZHBeohzWyg
The upsets continued up and down the country, with AFC Rushden & Diamonds defying the two-tier gap to beat Braintree Town 2-1 thanks to James Clifton’s winner 12 minutes from time.
Sholing also caused a shock with a 2-1 win away at Ebbsfleet United, with debutant Jonas Makuna netting the winner for the Boatmen, while FC United of Manchester beat Worksop 3-0.
Plymouth Parkway came from behind to beat Horsham 2-1, with Rio Garside and Reece Thomson sending them through against higher-ranked opposition.
Stafford Rangers came close to upsetting Halesowen Town, only for Vanylson Silva’s last-minute equaliser to force a 1-1 draw and a replay.
It was more comfortable for two-time winners Bury, who continued their campaign with a 2-1 win over Bromsgrove Sporting and Salisbury were 5-0 winners at home to Dulwich Hamlet.
Those in search of late drama were in luck in Market Harborough, as Harborough Town got past St Albans City 3-2.
The teams were level at 1-1 in the 90th minute before Dempsey Arlott-John looked to have scored the winner for hosts. Inih Effiong equalised minutes later only for Arlott-John to to seal victory and his hat-trick with a 30-yard strike in the eleventh minute of additional time.
