AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Berkhamsted reach FA Cup first round for first time

AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Berkhamsted secured places in the FA Cup first round for the first time on Saturday, with both clubs winning 2-1 against higher-profile opponents. BBC Sport reported that the two were among four sides reaching that stage for the first time, ahead of Monday's draw, while ninth-tier Tadley Calleva kept their own hopes alive with a draw at Aldershot.

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Eighth-tier AFC Rushden & Diamonds defeated Morecambe, who play two divisions above them in National League North. The Northern Premier League Division One Midlands club have now won five matches to reach the first round proper. Founded in 2011 following the demise of Rushden & Diamonds, the club marked a new milestone with the victory. Manager Elliot Sandy told BBC Radio Northamptonshire of his delight for the supporters, volunteers, players and coaching staff.

Berkhamsted also advanced by overcoming a deficit, winning 2-1 away to Southend at Roots Hall. The seventh-tier Hertfordshire club described the result as the greatest day in its history, according to the BBC report. Their comeback secured a first-round place outright, rather than leaving qualification dependent on another match, as several other ties ended level.

Tadley Calleva must still win a replay to join them. The Hampshire side twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against National League opponents Aldershot, backed by 883 travelling supporters. They will be the lowest-ranked team represented in Monday's draw, but their participation in the first round itself remains undecided. A home replay on Tuesday will determine whether the ninth-tier club can complete the upset.

Elsewhere, Marine won 2-0 at Hartlepool United, while Harborough Town beat Spennymoor Town 3-1 and Kidderminster Harriers defeated Solihull Moors 2-1. Boreham Wood edged Woking 3-2, Carlisle United overcame Tamworth 2-1, and Hornchurch recorded a 4-0 away victory at Uxbridge. Those results settled their ties without the need for replays.

Other clubs face further qualifying action after draws. Bury and Harrogate Town finished 1-1, as did Macclesfield and Anstey Nomads, while Leatherhead and Yeovil Town shared six goals in a 3-3 draw. For AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Berkhamsted, however, Saturday's wins mean their historic first-round appearances are already secured before the draw takes place.