Five-star Macclesfield impress as NPL sides advance in FA Cup

The Silkmen have started their league campaign in fine form and sit atop the Northern Premier League table with six wins and two draws from their opening eight games, but they took their performance to the next level with a stand-out display against full-time opposition from the league above. 
A first-half brace from captain Paul Dawson gave Macclesfield a healthy lead at half-time, then Tre Pemberton and Justin Johnson stretched their advantage either side of the hour mark before substitute Edy Maieco added further gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time. 
Robbie Savage's side were one of three from the Northern Premier League divisions to book their place in the next round with victory over higher-level opposition. 
Another of the day's surprise results came at the MAP Group UK Stadium, where NPL newcomers Stockton Town ran out 3-2 winners against Marine, who were themselves promoted from Step 3 last season. 
Goals from Glen Butterworth, Tom Coulthard and Michael Fowler saw the Anchors reach the third qualifying round stage of the competition for the first time in their history. 

NPL Midlands Division side Anstey Nomads were also big winners on Saturday, toppling Step 3 Mickleover 1-0 on the road.
The only goal of the game came with 16 minutes on the clock through Leo Brown. 
Many other NPL teams will be in the draw for the next round, although they will need to play second qualifying round replays on Tuesday night in order to move forward in the competition. 
Newcastle Town of the NPL West Division came mightily close to pulling off a big FA Cup upset against National League North heavyweights Scunthorpe United, leading 1-0 until the 78th minute when Brad Nicholson rescued a draw for the current National League North leaders. 
Dunston also picked up a credible result at home, drawing 1-1 with Step 2 Scarborough Athletic. 
Ilkeston Town led 1-0 at National League North outfit Hereford but were pegged back and forced to settle for a replay, while Leek Town produced a performance to be proud of at full-time Kidderminster Harriers but fell just short. 
The visitors led 1-0 heading into the final quarter, but Kidderminster captain Amari Morgan-Smith equalised 13 minutes from time before tucking home an injury-time winner.
The draw for the third qualifying round will be published at 1pm on Monday.
 

FA Cup results involving Northern Premier League sides:

• Dunston 1-1 Scarborough Athletic
• Crook Town 1-2 Witton Albion
• Southport 2-1 Hyde United
• Mossley 0-3 Chorley
• Stockton Town 3-2 Marine
• Newcastle Benfield 0-1 Wythenshawe Town
• Guiseley 3-0 1874 Northwich
• Newton Aycliffe 1-1 Warrington Rylands
• Chester 3-0 Hebburn Town
• Blyth Spartans 0-3 Bury
• Spennymoor Town 3-1 Morpeth Town
• Macclesfield 5-0 South Shields
• Newcastle Town 1-1 Scunthorpe United
• Gainsborough Trinity 2-1 Grantham Town
• Hereford 1-1 Ilkeston Town
• Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 Leek Town
• Kettering Town 1-0 Cleethorpes Town
• Mickleover 0-1 Anstey Nomads
• Rushall Olympic 5-0 Sheffield
• Leamington 1-0 Carlton Town
• Rugby Town 2-2 Hednesford Town
• Worksop Town 6-3 Basford United

Photo credit: Macclesfield