Pitching In
news

FA Cup round-up | Three NPL teams in first round draw as Guiseley produce big upset

FA Cup round-up | Three NPL teams in first round draw as Guiseley produce big upset

The FA Cup’s qualifying rounds concluded on Saturday, as the four remaining NPL teams in the competition battled for a place in the first round proper.

Guiseley were the only side to win their tie, after a late Will Longbottom strike knocked out his former club and National League North big-hitters Kidderminster Harriers in an impressive 1-0 win.

Mark Bower’s side are yet to concede in the tournament this season, having come through their opening four matches by an aggregate scoreline of 8-0.

The Lions will be in the hat for the first round proper for the first time since the 2021/22 campaign, when they suffered defeat against League One side AFC Wimbledon.

Northern Premier League leaders Macclesfield suffered defeat for the first time this season as they fell to a 4-2 defeat away at National League Tamworth.

A manic 15-minute period after Danny Elliott put the Silkmen 1-0 up ensued as the home side scored three, including two in as many minutes for Nathan Tshikuna, to give Tamworth a commanding 3-1 advantage at the break.

Paul Dawson pulled one back eight minutes into the second half, but Robbie Savage’s side were unable to grab a third, and last season’s National League North winners ensured their place in the first round five minutes from time with a tie-settling fourth.

The other remaining NPL sides will be in Monday’s draw, but they will have to travel to National League opposition in midweek replays to confirm their place in the first round proper.

NPL West Division side Hednesford Town held Step 1 giants Gateshead to a 1-1 draw, after Rob Stevenson equalised five minutes after Tyrelle Newton opened the scoring at Keys Park.

And Gainsborough Trinity will have to pick themselves up after a heartbreaking 97th-minute equaliser saw National League Boston United rescue a 2-2 draw. 

Pemi Aderoju came up with the telling contribution at the death, denying the Holy Blues a confirmed first round berth and potential glamour tie against Football League opposition. 

Both Hednesford and Gainsborough will go again on Tuesday night as they look to keep their cup hopes alive.  

The draw for the first round proper will be held on Monday evening at around 7pm, live on BBC Two.

League One and Two sides will enter the competition at this stage, with Championship and Premier League teams not involved until the third round.

FA Cup results involving Northern Premier League sides:

  • Gainsborough Trinity 2-2 Boston United
  • Kidderminster Harriers 0-1 Guiseley
  • Tamworth 4-2 Macclesfield 
  • Hednesford Town 1-1 Gateshead 

Photo credit: Gainsborough Trinity

Related articles