By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Rick Matthews Chester vs Stockton Town

Chester into FA Cup fourth qualifying round

Harrison Burke’s sole goal secured ten-man Chester’s passage into the FA Cup fourth qualifying round as his side beat Step 3 outfit Stockton Town 1-0 on Tuesday night.

Burke’s 71st minute decided the game somewhat against the odds despite Chester’s status as the higher-ranked side, following the dismissal off Connell Rawlinson after just three minutes. The experienced Welshman was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity after pulling down the visitors’ Michael Roberts en route to the goal.

A first goal of the season for Burke came from a Declan Weeks corner, with the 22-year-old in place at the back post to put the set piece past Nathan Harker in the Stockton goal.

READ MORE: FA Cup: Bury continue epic qualifying run

Calum McIntyre’s side successfully navigated their replay after needing a last minute equaliser in the first game from Rawlinson. They will now travel to Scarborough Athletic in an-all National League North clash in the next round on October 12.

Chester are now unbeaten in ten matches across all competitions after starting the season with back-to-back defeats.

Victory for The Seals here grabs them £5,625 in prize money and they’re guaranteed at least a further £3,125 for reaching the fourth qualifying round.

Buxton bow out with away loss

It’s the end of the line for Buxton, who lost 2-0 on the road at divisional rivals Kidderminster Harriers.

Goals from Jack Lambert and Amari Morgan Smith sent the Harriers through to face Northern Premier League side Guiseley at home in the fourth qualifying round. The game was somewhat overshadowed by a serious injury to Kidderminster’s Luke Summerfield, who suffered a broken leg in the early stages after a challenge from Callum Leigh.

A replay was required after the teams shared a 1-1 draw at Silverlands last weekend. The Bucks collect £1,875 from the central pot as reward for reaching the third round of qualifying.

FA Cup fourth qualifying round

Chester join fellow third round winners Curzon Ashton, Macclesfield and Bury in the fourth qualifying round. Entering at this stage are the National League clubs – with North West interest in the shape of Rochdale, Oldham Athletic, Altrincham and AFC Fylde.

Winning clubs will pick up £9,375 and a place in the first round proper – where League One and Two teams enter the fray. Fixtures are as follows:

• Tamworth vs Macclesfield
• Oldham Athletic vs FC Halifax Town
• Altrincham vs Solihull Moors
• AFC Fylde vs Rochdale
• Scarborough Athletic vs Chester
• Harborough Town vs Bury
• Curzon Ashton vs Kings Lynn Town

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