Cray Wanderers advance as Dartford fall at Tadley Calleva

FA Cup third qualifying round ties took precedence across Step 3, bringing mixed fortunes for the division's clubs. Cray Wanderers of the Isthmian League beat Southern League side Chippenham Town 3-0 at Flamingo Park, Ola Ogunwamide, Ade Yusuff and Lateef Adaja scoring, with JJ Briggs saving a late penalty from Olaf Koszela. According to the club, it is only the fourth time they have reached the fourth qualifying round. They had won 5-1 at Maldon & Tiptree in midweek, and will travel to the winners of the Wingate & Finchley and Bedford Town replay.

The week's most awkward result was Isthmian Premier leaders Dartford, who lost 2-1 at Combined Counties Premier South side Tadley Calleva, conceding twice in the last 14 minutes after George Whitefield's early opener. Their winning run had reached seven in all competitions. In the Southern League, Sholing won 2-1 at National League South side Ebbsfleet United, with Tommy-Lee Higgs and debutant Jonas Mukuna scoring, and Wimborne Town won 2-1 at Crowborough Athletic through Owen Roundell and Sam Roberts. Real Bedford lost 4-3 at National League South side Chesham United, conceding a fourth in the 90th minute before Archie Jones scored in stoppage time.

Bromsgrove Sporting's unbeaten run ended at Northern Premier League side Bury, 2-1, with Ollie Harrison scoring in added time before a crowd of 3,342. Guiseley beat Bradford Park Avenue 1-0 through Elliot Owen in front of 1,574, the club's largest competitive attendance in 2,586 days.

Back in regular league action, Redcar Athletic went top of the NPL with a 3-1 victory over Alfreton Town to preserve their unbeaten start, while Workington drew 1-1 against Cleethorpes Town courtesy of Brennan Dickenson's equaliser.

Off the pitch, several clubs across the step saw movement in the dugout. Leighton Town saw Paul Reed step down following their 4-2 home defeat by Peterborough Sports, having announced his resignation ahead of the fixture, and Ilkeston Town parted company with head coach Tristram Whitman. Whitby Town accepted Lee Bullock's resignation for health reasons, and Havant & Waterlooville replaced Aaron Martin with Shaun Gale in temporary charge. Aveley confirmed Alex Akrofi as manager and named his staff.