By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Dennis Wareing New Mills vs Northwich Victoria
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Barnton beat Step 5 Irlam
Barnton produced one of the surprises of the FA Vase first qualifying round by beating the higher-ranked Irlam 3-1 in their own back yard.
The game started with Irlam taking the lead after just eight minutes, with Kingsley Williams converting a penalty after visiting ‘keeper Ryan Taylor felled home captain Jacob Holt.
The sides went in level however thanks to Bailey Sherlock on 24 minutes, and wrapped up an impressive win with a spot kick of their own from debutant Callum Sandle (50) and Charley Jarrald’s close range effort (67).
READ MORE: Irlam upstage Step 4 Hallam in FA Cup
This is the fourth consecutive year in which the Cheshire side have made it to the second qualifying round, with Irlam falling at the earliest time since the 2014-15 season.
Hear from Manager @LewisWood11 after todayβs 3-1 victory against Irlam in the FA Vase. #cheshirejuve #Barnton #nwcfl #FinoAllaFine #UTV #80years pic.twitter.com/mAd9d1OMe5
— Barnton AFC (@barntonfc) August 15, 2026
Woolton upstage AFC in Liverpool clash
Woolton also knocked out Step 5 opposition, beating near-neighbours AFC Liverpool 1-0 on a record-setting Friday night.
252 were in attendance to see Sancho Ayedeji-Ansell’s second half winner (71) – a new highest attendance for the club – in their first home game in the competition, and consequently their first win too.
AFC did get the ball in the net twice, but both were ruled out for offside. It’s been a tough start to the season for Jack Edwards’ side, who have lost all five games in all competitions without scoring.
Jack gives his view of the evening. pic.twitter.com/NY2OpNncJH
— AFC Liverpoolπ΄βͺοΈβ½οΈ (@AFCLiverpool) August 14, 2026
Colne upset Lancashire counterparts
Colne made it a hat-trick of Step 6 sides beating higher-ranked opponents, with a 2-1 win at Lancashire rivals Barnoldswick Town.
Both teams ended the game with ten men, with home goalkeeper James Whittingham dismissed after just 25 minutes with the score still at 0-0. His foul led to outfield player Aubrey Williams stepping in between the sticks due to no goalkeeper on the bench.
Barney Wiggin converted the resulting penalty, and the visitors quickly doubled their lead through Corey Evans within two minutes. Kuda Chingwaro’s second half penalty was saved, before Jack Banks received his marching orders just before the hour to level the playing field once again.
Harley Lawton’s cross-come-shot pulled Barlick back into it, but his side ultimately exit the competition this early for the first time in six seasons.
Fifth clean sheet in a row for Vics
Northwich Victoria still have an unbreached back line in the 26-27 season after a fifth consecutive clean sheet while beating New Mills 2-0.
The visitors were lightning quick out of the blocks, with Lee Duckworth and Matty Clarke scoring in the first and second minute respectively.
Lee Duckworth’s side made it through to the second round proper last season before defeat to Droylsden.
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— Northwich Victoria F.C (@NorthwichVicsFC) August 15, 2026
Captain, Matty Clarke thunders a half volley in from distance to send us 2-0 up in the 2nd minute.#UpTheVics | #GreenArmy | @IsuzuFAVase pic.twitter.com/vcNoBnLuGS
First win ticked off for Wythenshawe Town
Wythenshawe Town ended a run of three season-opening defeats in all competitions with a 3-0 away win at Cheadle Heath Nomads.
Sajal Hassan opened the scoring after eight minutes, and doubled his tally from the penalty spot with ten minutes left. Inacio Djale Balde made sure of it five minutes from time.
It’s Town’s first win in the competition since making it all the way to the quarter finals in the 2021-22 season.
Kendal too strong for Steeton
Kendal Town are through after beating Steeton 2-1 at Parkside Road.
A first Mintcakes goal for Joe Wilkinson, and Jason Walker’s second half header was enough to see off the Yorkshire side, who bagged a late consolation through Christian Asamoah.
The Cumbrian side will be looking to at least equal their best performance in the competition by making the first round proper.
Trafford a four-ce to be reckoned with?
Trafford comfortably won their first FA Vase fixture in almost 20 years, with a 4-0 away win at Armthorpe Welfare.
Bile Ahmed bookended the scoring, hitting the target on 45 and 90 minutes. Luke Sephton and Kyle Worsley both weighed in with a second half goal apiece.
Its 31 years since their best performance in the competition, when they reached the fifth round. Could they match or even eclipse that this time around?
Late show wins it for Cheadle Town
Cheadle Town rallied late on to avoid an upset and eventually beat Daisy Hill 3-1 on Friday night.
Will Shawcross’ goal midway through the first half (22) had put the Step 6 side in the driving seat, and they held their lead until the final 20 minutes.
Keane Barugh levelled the game from the penalty spot (73), Ethan Padden’s header put them in the lead (86) and Callum Gardner settled it in added time (90+5). Cheadle also won when the two teams last met in this competition, a 3-1 victory at this stage in the 2013-14 season.
The thoughts of manager Nicky Hunt after tonightβs 3-1 defeat at the hands of Cheadle Town pic.twitter.com/jrvkxme4Tp
— Daisy Hill FC (@OfficialDHFC) August 14, 2026
FA Vase first qualifying round results in brief
Two goals in each half sent Litherland REMYCA through 4-1 at the expense of Maine Road. Cameron Taylor scored in both halves, alongside one from Dilon O’Callaghan and Konstantinos Misios’ second half penalty. Mason Beard had put the home side ahead after 20 minutes, but that proved to be their highlight.
Runcorn Town were 3-2 winners at Barton Town, with Connor Spiers, Luke Nicholls and Ethan Mercer on target for the visitors. The newly-promoted side remain unbeaten in all competitions to date this season.
Carlisle City are safely through after a 2-0 win at Step 6 Billingham Synthonia. Henry Walker and Rob McCartney had the game won by half time for Dan Kirkup’s side.
Post match interview with Gary Robinson after our 2-3 victory over Barton Town in the FA Vase pic.twitter.com/MEaZY7jdnD
— Runcorn Town FC (@RuncornTown) August 15, 2026
Stockport Georgians came from behind to beat Penistone Church 2-1 at Cromley Road. Kyle Wych’s penalty and Freddie Walker’s decisive second half goal ensured Andy Jenkins’ side won an FA Vase game for the first time in three seasons.
Charnock Richard eventually avoided a banana skin and held their nerve to beat NCEL side Appleby Frodingham 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 at 90 minutes.
Darwen are through 2-1 after seeing off Winteron Rangers. An own goal in the away side’s favour and Samuel Iwegbu’s 58th minute sent The Salmoners through.
Atherton LR also needed penalties to see off Cammell Laird, despite going 2-0 up before being pegged back. Owen Cushion and Cal Hunter’s goal had LR in control by the hour mark, before Ben Wood and James Fee pulled Lairds back into it, but they would lose the shootout 3-1.
Former LR goalkeeper Joe Bickerstaffe recoreded a debut clean sheet as his new side FC St Helens eased to a 2-0 win at Ashton Athletic. Michael Fitzgerald and Tom Scarborough were on target either side of half time.
Longridge Town won’t want to dwell too long on a 2-1 defeat at Step 6 Boldon CA. Oliver Hodgson had put the Lancashire side ahead on 19 minutes. Glossop North End will also want to quickly move on from a surprise 2-0 loss at home to Staveley Miners Welfare.
Euxton Villa lost 6-5 on penalties at Retford after the game ended 2-2 in normal time. Liam Clegg and Joel Darley scored their goals, but a crucial added time equaliser from Brad Hextall pushed the tie to the lottery of spot kicks.
AFC Blackpool also bow out on penalties, losing 6-5 at former NWCFL members Route One Rovers after the game finished 3-3. Ethan Brough, Charlie King and Oliver Hesford were the away goalscorers.
Flixton continue to pull in impressive numbers (344), but went out 4-2 to Worsbrough Bridge Athletic. Lewis Byrne and Collins Kagame with the home side’s goals. Alsager Town lost on their travels, going down 3-0 at Midland Premier side Dudley Town.
Sandbach United lost 1-0 to Ashby Ivanhoe, with Bacup Borough exiting by the same scoreline at Selby Town.
Finally, Squires Gate are through by default following the demise of scheduled opponents Boro Rangers. Winning clubs collect Β£550 at this stage of the competition, with Β£160 for the losers.
A narrow defeat in the Vase, Dec sums up the game. pic.twitter.com/1VNWseg0l8
— Sandbach United – 1st Team β½οΈ (@SandbachFC_1st) August 15, 2026
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