Two goals apiece for Beth Wharton and Abbie Emslie helped Grimsby Town come from two goals down to beat Lower Hopton Ladies 4-2 in the first qualifying round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
On the opening weekend of action in the 2024/25 edition of the competition, a total of 144 ties were being played out, with Lower Hopton racing into an early lead against Grimsby.
But Wharton scored twice in five minutes before half-time to level proceedings before Emslie showed her finishing instincts to find the net on 50 minutes and then the hour to decide the tie.
Penalties were needed in a number of ties, including after an epic encounter between Biggleswade United and Harpenden.
Kayleigh Grey scored a hat-trick for Biggleswade, who led 3-2, only for Harpenden to turn the game on its head.
Ruth Fox sent the tie to penalties with an equaliser six minutes into stoppage time, and Biggleswade carried that momentum into the next round as they won the shootout.
Elsewhere, Imogen Papworth scored two long-range free-kicks to fire Walsall into the second round qualifying draw as they came from a goal down to defeat Leamington.
Ella Ashley had put Leamington in front but Papworth hit straight back from a set-piece, before repeating the trick ten minutes from time to send Walsall through.
In one of the matches of the day, Pilkington got the better of Radcliffe 5-3. The home side saw an early 2-0 lead cancelled out by half-time but ran away with it with three second-half goals to seal progress before a final goal for Boro at the death.
A single goal split Redditch United and Crusaders, with goals from Maddy Sutton and Emily Douglas enough to send the Reds through 2-1.
And in the derby clash between Horsham and Horsham Sparrows, it was the Swans who proved far too strong, running out 5-1 winners.
Last but not least, Hassocks were edged out by Abbey Rangers 3-2 as Melissa Anders, Carla Hobbs and Bex Burtenshawe found the net.
To see all the results from across the day, click here.
