95 matches took place during the second qualifying round
Preston North End made history in the second round qualifying of the Women’s FA Cup, as they played their first-ever competitive fixture at Deepdale.
And the significant occasion ended in a 5-1 win for the hosts as they beat Wirral United Ladies.
Madison Hadley opened the scoring after Abbie Jones’ header back across the box, but Rebecca Tebb got the visitors back on terms.
Alicia Scott rounded the goalkeeper to give back Preston the lead before half time with Kerry Mahon’s header extending it after the break.
Scott grabbed her second of the afternoon and Preston’s fourth before Grace Flynn rounded off the scoring.
Elsewhere, Oakham United Women held their nerve to complete an upset against sixth-tier Thrapston Town as they won 3-2.
The seventh-tier outfit, who ply their trade in the Leicestershire League Division One, took the lead but goals from Hannah Hipwell and Millie Boddington turned the game around.
But the Rutland outfit were the ones left celebrating at the end as they fought hard to claim the win on home soil.
Milton Keynes Irish continued their brilliant debut run in the competition as they picked up another scalp in the form of St Albans City.
Seventh-tier Irish, who fought past higher-placed opposition in Leyton Orient from tier six in the previous round, went one better this time after they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against St Albans, who are two tiers above them.
Islington Borough and Kirby Muxloe also enjoyed wins over opposition who operate higher up the pyramid than themselves as the former edged past Montpelier Villa 1-0 on the road while the latter had a rather more serene afternoon as they beat Long Eaton United 4-1 at home.
Wallsend and Darlington played out a thriller at Kirkley Park with the home side coming out on top 4-3.
Coton Green Ladies progressed 3-2 on penalties against AFC Telford United Ladies after their match ended 2-2, while Coventry Sphinx also needed spot-kicks to book their place in the next round as they saw off Lichfield City Ladies 3-1 after things ended 3-3 in the West Midlands.
Bolton Wanderers edged a close encounter against FC United of Manchester 1-0 and Portchester Ladies won 2-1 at Southampton Women’s FC, with goals coming from Becki Bath and Molly Barron-Clark.
Wigan Athletic also won away from home, 1-0 against Leek Town Ladies, as did Brentford, who beat Dorking Wanderers by 4-0.
Chelmsford City came from 2-0 down to beat Clapton CFC 4-2 and book their place in the third round qualifying.
That will take place on 4 October and will see the introduction of the 48 teams from the fourth tier of the women’s football. For a roundup of all the results, click here.
