NPL sides stun National League opponents to progress in FA Trophy

Both Basford United and Stockton Town triumphed against teams two leagues above them, as they downed National League opposition.

Stockton Town’s official X account couldn’t contain their excitement as they proclaimed “from the Teeside League to scoring against Oldham Athletic” after Adam Nicholson powered home Kevin Hayes’ corner to give them the lead against the former Premier League side, who are currently plotting their return to the Football League.

Michael Sweet’s late goal secured a 2-0 win in front of 1,545 fans to cap another memorable occasion for the club, playing at step 3 for the first time this season.

National League side FC Halifax Town were the victims as Basford progressed, despite them surrendering a two-goal first half lead.

McKeal Abdullah and Kane Richards had fired Basford in front, only for Jamie Cooke’s second half brace to force penalties, in which Basford prevailed 6-5.

Gainsborough Trinity’s remarkable season in cup competitions continued, as they followed up their progress to the second round of the FA Cup with a win over National League North side Rushall Olympic to make it through to the fourth round of the FA Trophy.

Declan Howe’s brace, either side of Milan Lalkovic’s equaliser, means the Holy Blues' cup commitments continue into the New Year, and they’ll have plenty of league games to catch up on, already boasting seven games in hand on many in the Premier Division.

Unfortunately, Macclesfield couldn’t replicate the exploits of Stockton and Basford against a side two leagues above, although they took Altrincham all the way to penalties.
A local derby was watched by a sell-out 3,032 crowd, though it was a stalemate over 90 minutes, the National League side won 4-2 on penalties.

Warrington Rylands put up more than a fight against National League North high-fliers Chorley, twice equalising through George Waring but then going down 3-2 to Jack Sampson’s 58th minute winner.

The Isuzu FA Trophy fourth round draw will be made live on talkSPORT2 at around 3.15pm on Monday (December 9). 

The ties are due to be played on Saturday 4 January.

FA Trophy results involving Northern Premier League sides:

• Altrincham 0-0 Macclesfield (4-2 pens)
• Basford United 2-2 FC Halifax Town (6-5 pens)
• Chorley 3-2 Warrington Rylands
• Gainsborough Trinity 2-1 Rushall Olympic
• Stockton Town 2-0 Oldham Athletic