Six NPL teams in hat for fourth qualifying round as sides progress in FA Cup

Of those 10 teams, six will be in the draw for the fourth qualifying round, which will be released on Monday afternoon.

Current NPL Premier Division league leaders Macclesfield won by a five-goal margin for the second successive round, as they eased past NPL West Division side Witton Albion 6-1.

Two second-half goals each from Edy Maieco and Danny Elliott squashed any hope of a comeback after Kevin Spinelli halved the deficit on 56 minutes, ensuring Robbie Savage’s side remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.

Guiseley provided one of the shocks of the round by defeating current National League North leaders Scunthorpe United 1-0 at Nethermoor.

An early goal from Jake Lawlor separated the two sides, with the Lions having to defend resolutely with 10 men following Lebrun Mbeka’s dismissal with just over 20 minutes to go.

Elsewhere, Gainsborough Trinity were also able to upset Step 2 opposition, after they battled from a goal down to defeat Darlington 2-1 away from home.

Declan Howe cancelled out Will Hatfield’s opener just before half-time, and a Lewis Butroid winner three minutes from the end earned Gainsborough’s place in the fourth qualifying round.

The other three NPL sides in Monday’s draw will have to go through a replay to confirm their place in the next round.

The side currently sitting second in the National League North, Chester, were within seconds of being knocked out by Stockton Town, but a 90th minute Connell Rawlinson header salvaged a replay at the Deva Stadium on Tuesday.

Worksop Town left it late to draw against King's Lynn Town after Luke Hall volleyed in a 97th minute leveller. They’ll now have to make the 174-mile round trip on Tuesday as they travel to the Walks for a replay.

And Hednesford Town earned themselves a home reply thanks to a goalless draw at Midland Football League Premier Division side Shifnal Town.

The fourth qualifying round draw will be released at 3pm on Monday 30 September, with the round itself taking place on Saturday 12 October.

Teams from the top tier of the National League will also enter the competition at this stage. 

FA Cup results involving Northern Premier League sides:

• Wythenshawe Town 0-1 Farsley Celtic (12:30 K/O)
• Darlington 1-2 Gainsborough Trinity
• Guiseley 1-0 Scunthorpe United
• Macclesfield 6-1 Witton Albion
• Rushall Olympic 2-1 Anstey Nomads
• Shifnal Town 0-0 Hednesford Town
• Stockton Town 1-1 Chester
• Warrington Rylands 0-2 Scarborough Athletic
• Worksop Town 1-1 King’s Lynn Town

Photo credit: Robert Leal