Mike Fondop struck twice to help Oldham Athletic into the Emirates FA Cup First Round with a 4-2 win over Halifax Town.
The three-time semi-finalists made a blistering start at Boundary Park, with Fondop scoring twice in just over half an hour either side of a Josh Lundstram effort to give the Latics a commanding 3-0 lead.
Billy Waters pulled one back for the Shaymen but Will Sutton scored again for the hosts to send them into the break with a 4-1 advantage.
The visitors pulled one back through Jo Cummings to set up an interesting finish but the hosts held firm to book their place in Monday’s First Round Proper draw, live on BBC One from 7pm.
A fourth of the first half for @OfficialOAFC! 🦉#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/jDiNjn41LU
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) October 12, 2024
Oldham will be joined by National League leaders Barnet, who made no mistake in getting past National League South Chelmsford City 4-0.
York City also safely navigated lower-tier opposition with a 3-1 win away at eighth-tier Biggleswade FC.
The hosts levelled through Amir Hadi after Ollie Pierce put the Minstermen ahead but Dipo Akinyemi and another from Pearce ensured there would be no upset in Bedfordshire.
Sutton United also sealed victory in their first Fourth Round Qualifying match in four years but were forced to come back from behind against Chertsey Town.
Jack Mazzone gave the Curfews an early lead but Matt Rush and Josh Coley put the visitors in control.
Chertsey then missed a chance to equalise from the penalty spot with just 12 minutes remaining before Sutton added a third at the death.
However, Yeovil Town succumbed to lower-ranked opposition as Jack Cawley’s stoppage time strike handed Chesham United a dramatic victory and sent them into the First Round for the second season in a row.
A towering header to book @cheshamutdfc a spot in the #EmiratesFACup first round proper! 💜💙pic.twitter.com/LIlxcwDkz8
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) October 12, 2024
Ebbsfleet United were also defeated by National League South opposition, as Kent rivals Maidstone United beat them 3-0.
Maidstone captured the nation’s hearts with their run to the Fifth Round last season, beating Ipswich Town on the way, and George Elokobi’s men will have the chance of another famous FA Cup run thanks to an Aaron Blair double and a strike from Antony Papadopoulos.
It was the end of the road for Bury, the lowest-ranked side left in Fourth Round Qualifying, as the two-time champions lost 1-0 to Harborough Town courtesy of Ben Stephens’ strike.
Eighth-tier Gorleston narrowly missed out on reaching the First Round for the first time since 1957 following a 1-0 defeat away at Horsham with Reece Myles-Meekums netting a late winner for the Hornets.
However, Hednesford Town remain in the hat after holding National League Gateshead to a 1-1 draw at Keys Park Stadium.
Tyrelle Newton gave the visitors the lead but Rob Stevenson levelled just five minutes later to earn Hednesford a replay.
Rob Stevenson with the most composed of finishes for @Hednesford_Town 🥶
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) October 12, 2024
Just listen to what it means to their fans 🤍#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/80RI9rvwWD
Taunton Town will do it all again with Maidenhead United after a 1-1 draw in Somerset, while Boston United struck late to earn a 2-2 draw and avoid an upset against neighbours Gainsborough Trinity.
Brackley Town will host National League Hartlepool United after Adam Campbell struck late to secure a draw for the home side at Victoria Park.
All-time FA Cup top scorers Kettering Town will have another chance to add to their tally after the Poppies beat Farsley Celtic 2-1.
