AFC Rushden & Diamonds reach first FA Cup first round after Morecambe upset

AFC Rushden & Diamonds reached the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in their history with a 2-1 victory over Morecambe on Saturday. According to BBC Sport, the eighth-tier club have won five matches to reach this stage and will take their place in Monday's draw after overcoming opponents from two divisions above them.

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The Northern Premier League Division One Midlands side were founded in 2011 following the demise of Rushden & Diamonds. Their latest victory came against a Morecambe team playing in National League North. Manager Elliot Sandy told BBC Radio Northamptonshire he was delighted for the supporters, volunteers, players and coaching staff, describing the occasion as a memorable one for everyone involved.

Berkhamsted also secured a first appearance in the first round, recovering from a losing position to beat Southend United 2-1 at Roots Hall. The seventh-tier Hertfordshire club were among four teams that BBC Sport reported had qualified for this stage for the first time. Their away victory ensured they would not need a replay to complete the achievement.

Tadley Calleva's place in the first round remains undecided, but the ninth-tier Hampshire side will be the lowest-ranked team represented in Monday's draw. They twice came from behind to draw 2-2 away to National League opponents Aldershot Town, with 883 travelling supporters backing them. The result earned Tadley a home replay scheduled for Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Marine won 2-0 at Hartlepool United, while Oxford City secured a 1-0 away victory over Torquay United. Harborough Town progressed with a 3-1 win against Spennymoor Town, and Sholing beat SE Dons 2-0. Wimborne Town also advanced, defeating Chelmsford City 1-0, while Hornchurch recorded a 4-0 victory at Uxbridge.

Several other ties finished level. Leatherhead and Yeovil Town drew 3-3, Spalding United and Alvechurch finished 2-2, and Macclesfield drew 1-1 with Anstey Nomads. Those results left qualification unresolved for the clubs involved, in contrast to AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Berkhamsted, whose landmark first-round places were secured by their victories.