Four Clubs Break New Ground as FA Cup First Round Takes Shape

Four clubs have reached the FA Cup first round for the first time in their histories after a fourth qualifying round that delivered upsets, replays and a return to the competition proper after more than four decades. AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Tadley Calleva, Berkhamsted, Plymouth Parkway and Sholing all secured their places, while Wimborne Town ended a wait dating back to 1982.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds: five wins and a higher-league scalp

The phoenix club, founded in 2011 after the original Rushden & Diamonds folded, plays in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands, the eighth tier of English football. It won five matches to reach this stage and then beat Morecambe 2-1. Morecambe compete in the National League North, two leagues above.

Manager Elliot Sandy said he was speechless after the result and expressed delight for the fans, volunteers, players and staff. He described it as a memorable day for the club.

Tadley Calleva force replay and will be lowest-ranked side in draw

Tadley Calleva, a ninth-tier club from Hampshire, drew 2-2 with Aldershot after twice trailing. The result means they will be the lowest-ranked team in the draw. A crowd including 883 away fans watched the tie, and the replay is scheduled for Tuesday.

Berkhamsted stun Southend at Roots Hall

Berkhamsted, a seventh-tier club from Hertfordshire, came from behind to beat Southend United 2-1 at Roots Hall. The club described the achievement as the greatest day in its history.

First-time qualifiers and a long-awaited return

Plymouth Parkway and Sholing also reached the first round for the first time, while Wimborne Town are back in the competition proper for the first time since 1982. Guiseley, another seventh-tier side, will also represent that level in the first round.

Replays and prize money

Several seventh- and eighth-tier clubs earned replays against National League opposition. Stafford Rangers, Bury, Leatherhead, Gloucester City and Chesham United all drew with higher-ranked opponents. Bury’s tie with Harrogate Town finished 1-1 in front of a crowd near 5,000 at Gigg Lane and was televised.

Saturday’s winners each received £9,375 in prize money.

Draw details and what comes next

The first round draw will be made on Monday 19 October at 18:35 BST, broadcast live on TNT Sports and the TNT Sports YouTube channel. It will be conducted by former FA Cup winners Martin Keown and Fara Williams.

The draw includes the possibility of facing League One or League Two clubs, with former FA Cup winners Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City among the potential opponents. First round fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of 7 November.