By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Laura Jane Fenton (Blyth Spartans vs Bury)
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Shakers rattle and roll Spartans
Bury have a rich history in the FA Cup – and their ’24-25 run looks set to be fondly remembered in years to come after claiming another scalp this weekend with a 3-0 win at Step 3 Blyth Spartans in the second qualifying round.
Second half goals from Alex Cherera, Bebeto Gomes and Connor Pye helped Dave McNabb’s side extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches across all competitions so far this season – with the Gigg Lane side yet to taste defeat.
The Shakers have progressed through four rounds of qualifying and have knocked out higher-ranked opponents in every round – adding the NPL Premier side to their list, having already seen off Step 4 sides Garforth Town, Avro and Congleton Town in the previous rounds.
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Victory in the north-east also helps Bury avenge a near-30 year upset loss of their own – with Blyth Spartans the non-league heroes in the 1995-96 competition, emerging with a shock 2-0 win in the first round at Gigg Lane.
FA Cup progress for Silkmen
Macclesfield dismantled National League North side South Shields 5-0 at the Moss Rose to pick up a strong win over a club playing their football a division higher.
Paul Dawson’s early brace gave the home side a comfortable half time lead, and Tre Pemberton, Justin Johnson and substitute Edy Maiceo added one apiece as Robbie Savage’s side wrapped up a famous win.
The Cheshire side – then under the leadership of Atherton Collieries boss Michael Clegg – made it to the fourth qualifying round last season.
Nash brush aside Barlick
Curzon Ashton are in the hat for the next round after crushing Barnoldswick Town 6-0 at The Tameside Stadium. There was to be no upset for the National League North side, who took the lead via either Isaac Buckley-Ricketts or an own goal depending on your vantage point after just three minutes, and Stefan Mols doubled their lead before the quarter hour.
There was no denying Buckley-Ricketts the third on 53 minutes, and Mols secured his brace 12 minutes later. Late efforts from Mike Afuye and Ben Darby – both netting their first goal for the club – rounded out a result that rarely looked in doubt.
It’s the end of the road for North West Counties Premier side Barlick, who will nevertheless look back with pride on their best run in the FA Cup and a memorable replay win over Step 3 Lancaster City in the last round.
Radcliffe prevailed 2-1 in an-all National League North contest at Warrington Town – thanks to Jordan Hulme’s injury time winner.
Connor Woods put the home side ahead with a perfectly placed free kick on the verge of half time, before Hulme drew the game level with 20 minutes left to play.
It would be the same player who decided the tie five minutes after the 90 and secured Radcliffe a first win of the campaign in any competition. This proved to be Mark Beesley’s last match in charge of The Yellows, following his resignation on Sunday morning.
Southport came out on top in a battle of two north-west sides, defeating Hyde United 2-1 at Haig Avenue. Marcus Carver’s deft backheel put a smile on the home fans’ faces on 19 minutes, before Danny Lloyd sealed it from the penalty spot – with his spot kick going in off the post.
Jordan Scanlon pulled one back for The Tigers, but it’s the Step 2 side who progress.
Chorley & Chester progress in FA Cup
Chorley were 3-0 winners at Mossley, with all three goals coming in the last quarter hour – George Horbury opened the scoring on 75 minutes. Warren Clarker sealed it with a minute to spare, and Horbury netted his second deep into added time.
Chester went through by the same scoreline at home to Hebburn Town – with a Tom Peers brace and one from captain George Glendon securing passage for the Calum McIntyre’s side. The Deva Stadium team have a rich recent pedigree in the competition having made it to at least the third qualifying round five seasons in a row.
Wythenshawe Town‘s best ever performance in the competition continued with a 1-0 win at Newcastle Benfield. The NPL West side progressed thanks to Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro’s late decider, whose 82nd minute header was enough to separate the two sides.
Historic FA Cup run over for West
Witton Albion avoided an FA Cup upset and prevailed as 2-1 winners at Northern League outfit Crook Town. Albion had the game wrapped up within the first 20 minutes, thanks to goals from Reece Daly and Joel Bailey, with Josh McDonald pulling one back for the home side shortly after.
Buxton were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Step 3 Barwell, and will have to do it all again on Monday night. Warrington Rylands also face a midweek replay after drawing 1-1 at Newton Aycliffe.
West Didsbury & Chorlton‘s best run in the FA Cup came to an end after a 2-1 loss to National League North side Darlington in front of a sellout crowd of 1,320 at The Step Places Stadium.
FA Cup dreams over for Marine
Victor Abadaki was on target for West just before the break to level the game following Matty Cornish’s opener, but Andrew Nelson settled the tie in the visitors’ favour with 22 minutes remaining.
It’s been a run to remember for West, who had previously dispatched Burscough, Glossop North End and Silsden. Paul Marshall’s side have collected a welcome £5,944 in prize money alone on their run to the second qualifying round.
It was a day to forget for Marine, who fell 3-2 at the first hurdle to lower-ranked opponents in Stockton Town, and 1874 Northwich also bowed out with a 3-0 loss at Guiseley.
Winners in the FA Cup second qualifying round picked up a cheque for £3,375, with losing teams collecting £1,125 for reaching this stage. The draw for the third qualifying round is scheduled for Monday afternoon and ties are to be played on the weekend of September 28.
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