By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Dave Youngs/Rochdale AFC AFC Fylde vs Rochdale

Mitchell hat-trick inspires Rochdale FA Cup win

Kairo Mitchell netted a hat-trick as Rochdale picked up a commanding 4-1 win at National League rivals AFC Fylde in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

After a goalless first half, Mitchell opened the scoring from close range ten minutes after the break, and Mitchell duly completed his hat-trick in less than half an hour. Aidan Barlow’s free kick – his first for the club – was the icing on the cake for Jim McNulty’s side, with Tyler Roberts pulling one back for the hosts three minutes from time.

Grenada international Mitchell has now moved into double figures for the season with 12 scored across league and Cup. Fylde miss out on the first round for the first time in three seasons.

READ MORE: National League: 1-0 win moves Chorley to second

Eager Oldham Athletic off to a flier

Oldham Athletic were quick off the mark to see of FC Halifax Town – scoring all four of their goals before the half-time break. Micky Mellon’s side emerged as 4-2 winners at Boundary Park, and they were in the lead within ten minutes thanks to Mike Fondop.

Josh Lundstram doubled their advantage before the half hour, and Fondop added his second before Billy Waters gave Halifax a shred of hope on 37 minutes. Will Sutton’s deflected shot re-established the three goal cushion four minutes later.

It could have been a nervous finish for Athletic after Jo Cummins’ halved the deficit, but they duly progressed. Since dropping into non-league three seasons ago, The Latics have made the first round proper each time.

Curzon continue to impress

Curzon Ashton‘s impressive season continued with a 1-0 fourth qualifying round win over King’s Lynn Town. The National League North high-flyers left it late, but Luis Lacey’s effort two minutes from time sent the Tameside club through at the expense of former manager Adam Lakeland.

The game looked to be heading to a replay – this is the last round where replays will take place – before recent signing Lacey’s crucial intervention.

Craig Mahon’s side are enjoying a purple patch in this competition – having now reached the first round for three consecutive seasons.

Alty heading for replay

Altrincham will have to do it all again after drawing 1-1 with Step 1 rivals Solihull Moors at Moss.

Regan Linney’s penalty on the quarter hour had put Phil Parkinson’s side ahead, but Moors ensured the sides will replay the fixture in midweek after Bradley Stevenson’s equaliser 20 minutes from time.

Should they win that match, it will be the first time in three years Altrincham have made the first round proper.

FA Cup first round draw

Winners of FA Cup fourth qualifying rounds will pocket £9,375 in prize money, while losing sides will collect £3,125 for reaching this stage.

League One and Two sides join the fray in the first round proper, and the draw will take place on Monday – live on BBC Two from 7pm. The 32 non-league teams will be hoping for a plum draw against the likes of the third tier’s early front runners including Birmingham City, Wrexham and Mansfield Town.

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