Four clubs secure first FA Cup first-round places as Berkhamsted stun Southend
Four clubs reached the FA Cup first round for the first time on Saturday, with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Berkhamsted, Plymouth Parkway and Sholing advancing from the final qualifying round. BBC Sport reported that the results secured their places in Monday's draw alongside clubs from League One and League Two.
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Berkhamsted overturned a deficit to beat Southend United 2-1 at Roots Hall. According to the Football Association's report, Lewys Twamley put the National League hosts ahead before Luke Andrews equalised before half-time. Goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk kept Berkhamsted level with a save in the 82nd minute, and Jeffrey Sekyere scored the winner with two minutes remaining.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds also won 2-1, defeating Morecambe at Hayden Road. The FA reported that James Clifton and Matty Warburton scored within four minutes of each other, before Joe Garner reduced the visitors' deficit. The eighth-tier winners were founded in 2011 and overcame opponents from National League North, two divisions above them.
Plymouth Parkway and Sholing joined Berkhamsted as seventh-tier first-round newcomers. BBC Sport listed Parkway's victory as 2-0, while Sholing beat SE Dons by the same score. Wimborne Town also progressed, defeating Chelmsford City 1-0 to reach the first-round draw for the first time since 1982. Guiseley advanced with a 3-0 win at Leiston.
Ninth-tier Tadley Calleva have not yet qualified but kept their run alive with a 2-2 draw at Aldershot Town. The FA reported that Alfie Burton and Charlie Barlow scored equalisers after the hosts twice led. Tadley held on despite late Aldershot pressure, with 883 travelling supporters present. Their home replay is scheduled for Tuesday.
Other unresolved ties included Bury's 1-1 draw with Harrogate Town in front of almost 5,000 spectators at Gigg Lane. Stafford Rangers, Leatherhead, Gloucester City and Chesham United also earned replays against National League opponents, according to BBC Sport. Those clubs still need another result to secure qualification.
Saturday's winners earned £9,375 each in prize money. The first-round draw takes place at 18:35 BST on Monday, October 19, with Martin Keown and Fara Williams conducting it. First-round matches are scheduled around the weekend of Saturday, November 7.
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