The Women's FA Cup dream came to an end for the remaining seventh tier sides in the third qualifying round, as big names sealed their spot in the first round proper.
Preston North End beat North Ferriby Ladies 7-0 as Zea Anderson scored two in either half in a dominant performance by the hosts where they found themselves 4-0 up at half-time.
But fellow Lancashire side Blackburn Rovers fell 3-2 to AFC Fylde as they continue to rebuild from falling out of the WSL 2. Lauryn Wood was at the double in the derby between the fourth tier teams.
Leeds United delivered a stirring second half performance against Stockton to turn a 3-0 lead into a 12-1 win against the team two divisions below them.
🙌 Our @WomensFACup journey continues! https://t.co/GavGHRD9gO
— Leeds United Women (@LUFCwomen) October 4, 2026
Another fourth division side, Sporting Khalsa, beat seventh tier Oakham United 8-0 to book their spot in the first round of the competition.
And Notts County overcame Kirby Muxloe Ladies 8-0 in another of the day’s ties between teams three divisions apart, while Blyth Spartans lost 9-0 to Chorley.
The closest a seventh tier side came to progression was Milton Keynes Irish’s 3-1 loss to Dussindale and Hellesdon.
Islington Borough lost 7-0 to Maidenhead United as the away side made the most of the three divisions between the two in the pyramid.
Over in Wales, a hat-trick from Daisy Ackerman helped Women's National League side Gwalia United to a 6-0 win against Stoneham.
Two games went to penalties. Workington Town squeezed past Doncaster Rovers Belles 4-3 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw, while Nantwich Town scored all five of theirs in a 5-3 shootout win after their 0-0 draw with Hednesford Town.
We are through to the next round! #OneClub #WFACup https://t.co/c9L0Kfh9k6
— Thornaby FC (@ThornabyFC_) October 4, 2026
In one of the day’s few ties between fourth-tier opponents, Thornaby clung on to win 2-1 against Wythenshawe and secure their first appearance in the main rounds of the competition.
Former Women’s Super League outfit Reading narrowly lost 1-0 to London side Bromley.
There were mixed fortunes in Hertfordshire, as Luton Town progressed with a 2-1 win against AFC Sudbury, but Wroxham produced a shock to beat Stevenage 2-0 away from home.
Away wins for Brentford, Feniton, and Winchester sent them through to the first round.
The first round proper will take place in October and will include the introduction of all 24 teams playing in the third-tier FA Women’s National League Premier Division.
