South East Dons stun Chichester City to reach next round

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

South East Dons defeated Chichester City 3-2 with two stoppage-time goals to reach the third qualifying round of the FA Cup in their debut campaign. This upset victory over a higher-division team marks a major milestone in the Dons' rapid progression through the English football pyramid.

South East Dons secured a notable victory over Chichester City to advance to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, marking a significant milestone in their inaugural campaign in the competition. The match took place on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Entering the tournament in the extra preliminary round, South East Dons, a club competing in the Southern Counties East Premier League and formerly a Sunday League team, have defied expectations with a string of impressive results. Their FA Cup journey began with a 6-0 victory over Lancing, followed by a 1-1 draw and a 2-0 replay win against Punjab United. They then progressed with a 2-0 win over Erith Town before facing Chichester City, who compete in the higher-ranked Southern League Premier South division.

Chichester City had started their FA Cup run in the first qualifying round with a 4-1 win over Broadfields United and were considered favorites heading into the match. However, South East Dons challenged that perception with a resilient performance.

Josh Bohui gave the Dons an early lead, but Chichester responded with goals from Lloyd Rowlatt and Harry Bridle in the 40th and 53rd minutes, respectively, putting the hosts ahead. The match appeared to be heading towards a replay as Chichester maintained their 2-1 advantage deep into stoppage time.

In a dramatic finish, Alex Teniola scored a free kick in the 93rd minute to equalize for South East Dons. Shortly after, Ralfi Hand scored to restore the lead, securing a 3-2 victory that sent the Dons into jubilation and into the next round of the tournament.

This achievement highlights South East Dons’ rapid rise within English football and underscores the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup, where lower-league sides frequently challenge more established teams. Their victory over Chichester City is a landmark moment for the club, demonstrating their ability to compete and succeed against higher-tier opposition.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.