Debutants AFC Greenwich Borough secured a thrilling comeback win to advance to the Emirates FA Cup second round qualifying, with a 4-3 triumph over Sittingbourne.
Stefan Payne had opened the scoring away to the Brickies only for the hosts to take a 2-1 advantage into the break.
Harry Revill rescued Greenwich, with two goals in the space of ten minutes before Stefan Payne scored the winner in the 91st minute.
From 3-1 down to 4-3 up 👊
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) September 5, 2026
Stefan Payne's late winner sends @AFCGreenwichB through to the second round qualifying in their debut #EmiratesFACup campaign 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tHlGZyA1HU
A late equaliser earned Knowle a replay against Worcester City after a 1-1 draw in front of a record crowd.
The Worcestershire club, who play in the ninth-tier United Counties League Premier Division South, are making their FA Cup debut this season and have fought through the extra preliminary and preliminary round to reach first round qualifying.
A record 931 spectators watched at the Robins’ Nest, a best gate in the 100-year history of the village club, and fans were rewarded with a late goal as Knowle held their own live on BBC iPlayer.
Tom Kinsey got the final touch following a goalmouth scramble in the seventh minute of additional time to ensure the sides will meet again, after Liam Lockett’s deft back heel finish, on the spin from close range, handed Worcester City the lead with 20 minutes to go against the run of play.
A record home attendance and a performance to be proud of!@Knowle_FC have taken @WorcesterCityFc to a replay following a 1-1 draw 🏆#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/kgssXt6PZ9
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) September 5, 2026
That strike made it look like Knowle were set to rue missed chances, after George Seeley had the best chance of the first half to break the deadlock for Knowle, after dispossessing Worcester City's keeper Mamadou Diallo in his own penalty area.
Knowle should have taken the lead, however Seeley’s effort passed the face of the goal, and the two sides entered the break goalless.
The hosts started the second half brighter and Ethan Green’s header was cleared off the line after Hayden Purves’ corner ten minutes after the restart.
But Kinsey's late equaliser means Knowle have a second chance to continue their historic run.
Fellow ninth-tier debutants SE Dons extended their Emirates FA Cup dream a round further with a 2-0 win over eighth-tier Erith Town, after goals from Joshua Bohui and Dominic Morgan-Griffiths in the opening 10 minutes.
Snodland Town also defeated higher-ranked opposition, with a 3-1 win over Margate while Shildon Town, one of 56 Step 5 teams remaining in the draw, were 15 minutes away from defeating seventh-tier Warrington Town but will have to go again after David Morgan's equaliser.
All-time FA Cup top-scorers Kettering Town were held to a replay by Wellingborough 2-2, Northern Premier League Midlands leaders Wellingborough continuing a strong start to the season against higher-ranked opposition.
There was also success for Cambridge City, who beat league above Maldon & Tiptree 6-1, while Bradford Park Avenue also overcame the league gap to beat Curzon Ashton 2-1 away from home.
Meanwhile, two-time winners Bury scored six goals inside the final 19 minutes of the first half on their way to an 8-0 victory over Wythenshawe.
The second round qualifying will take place on the weekend of Saturday 19 September, with Step 2 teams from the National League North and South entering the competition.
