Non-league football teams across England competed in the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup and other league fixtures over the weekend, producing a series of notable results that set the tone for the early stages of the 2026-27 season.
In FA Cup action, Boldmere St Michaels eliminated Gresley Rovers with a late surge, netting three goals in stoppage time to secure a 3-0 victory. Barton Town delivered a high-scoring performance, triumphing 7-3 over Deeping Rangers, highlighted by Albie Collier’s four-goal haul. Narrow 1-0 wins were recorded by several sides, including Desborough Town, AFC Mansfield, Newmarket Town, and Northampton Sileby Rangers, each relying on single, decisive goals to progress.
Other close matches saw Bedworth United overcome Belper United 2-1 on the road, Boston Town clinch a 2-1 victory at Daventry Town thanks to Matt Cotton’s brace, and Retford United earn a 2-0 away win against Skegness Town. Long Eaton United overcame an early deficit in a 2-1 comeback win at Leicester Nirvana, while Lutterworth Town held Hereford Pegasus to a goalless draw after goalkeeper Josh Wormleighton saved a penalty, leading to an upcoming replay.
Fakenham Town edged Eynesbury Rovers 3-2 in a tightly contested encounter, with Jake Watts, Marley Reynolds, and Lewis Bonner contributing goals. Histon defeated Brightlingsea Regent 3-1, featuring a mix of early and penalty scores, while Rugby Town secured a 2-0 home victory over Uttoxeter Town. Sherwood Colliery advanced with a narrow 3-2 home result against Moulton, overcoming a late rally by their opponents. AFC Rushden & Diamonds dominated Kimberley Miners Welfare 5-0, and Parkgate won 2-0 away at Sheffield in Friday’s matches.
Additional cup fixtures saw Brantham Athletic progress after a 2-1 home win against Soham Town Rangers. Great Yarmouth Town exited following a 3-1 defeat at Harleston Town, while Dereham Town and Walsham-le-Willows drew 1-1, necessitating a replay. Ely City secured a dramatic 2-2 draw at March Town United with a late equaliser, forcing another replay. Haverhill Rovers were eliminated by Halstead Town in a 2-0 home loss, while Woodbridge Town advanced with a 2-1 victory at Heacham.
Several matches ended in draws leading to scheduled replays: St Helens earned a late equaliser at North Ferriby, Stowmarket Town drew 1-1 at home with St Neots Town, and Thetford Town were held 1-1 by Yaxley. Saffron Walden Town fought to a 2-2 draw away at Wisbech Town, while Cockfosters and Potton United also finished 2-2 in a closely contested tie.
Upsets and strong performances were evident across the leagues. Hullbridge Sports secured a 2-0 home win against higher-ranked Hadley, while Romford upset Southern League Central side Barton Rovers 2-1. Frenford claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Harlow Town despite being designated as the away side, and Takeley defeated former league rivals Great Wakering Rovers 2-0. Crowborough Athletic delivered a commanding 5-0 victory at Royal Oak against local rivals, with Elliott Duncan and Rushaar Samuel-Smikle both scoring twice.
Other standout results included Hassocks overcoming Sevenoaks Town 2-1 with a late free-kick, SE Dons routing Lancing 6-0 away with Aaron Watson’s hat-trick, and Peacehaven & Telscombe edging Horsham YM 2-1 on the road. Conversely, teams such as AFC Varndeanians and Crawley Down Gatwick exited the competition following 3-1 and 2-1 defeats, respectively.
New league campaigns also began, with Sticker dominating Wadebridge Town 7-0 in the Premier West division, highlighted by a four-goal performance from Soloman Wilson. St Mawgan, returning to Step 6, won 3-1 at Mousehole, while St Austell recorded a 2-0 victory at Holsworthy. Callington Town, Elburton Villa, and Ilminster Town posted emphatic wins, including a 7-0 rout by Ilminster over Middlezoy Rovers.
Overall, the weekend’s fixtures showcased a combination of thrilling attacking displays, tight contests, and promising performances as non-league clubs embarked on both their FA Cup journeys and league campaigns. Replays scheduled for the coming week will further determine which teams advance in the country’s oldest knockout competition.