Cray Wanderers reach FA Cup fourth qualifying round as Isthmian Premier sides split in Saturday ties

Cray Wanderers supplied the week's clearest story. On Saturday 3 October they beat Southern League Premier South side Chippenham Town 3-0 at Flamingo Park to reach the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup for only the fourth time. Ola Ogunwamide struck from just over 25 yards in the 18th minute, Ade Yusuff added a second two minutes later, and Lateef Adaja scored his first of the season after 69 minutes. JJ Briggs saved a penalty from Olaf Koszela, and 716 watched. The draw sent them to Bedford Town after Bedford beat Wingate & Finchley in Tuesday's replay, with the tie due on the weekend of 17 October.

The Wands had also won 5-1 at Maldon & Tiptree the previous Tuesday and beat Punjab United 2-0 in the Kent Senior Cup on 6 October, Jakob Lowe scoring both. Their reward is a second-round tie at Welling United.

Photo: Dulwich Hamlet on X

Others had a harder Saturday. Dartford, leaders after seven straight wins, lost 2-1 at Combined Counties Premier South side Tadley Calleva. George Whitefield scored after four minutes, Ryan Sandford saved a penalty, but Charlie Barlow equalised and Brad Passfield won it two minutes from time. Ben Greenhalgh called the second half "inexcusable". Dulwich Hamlet also went out, losing at Salisbury.

Two clubs went the other way. Leatherhead beat Hanworth Villa 1-0 at Fetcham Grove, Sonny Wheeler saving a penalty before Tom's late volley, and were drawn at home to Yeovil Town. Eastbourne Borough won 1-0 at Thame United through Terrell Egbri's 89th-minute finish and travel to Salisbury. On Monday they beat Carshalton Athletic 4-0, Josh Rees scoring twice, for an eighth win in all competitions.

Photo: Welling United on X

In the league, Lewes beat Whitehawk 1-0 at the Dripping Pan, 18-year-old Mackenzie Richardson heading in four minutes from time in front of 1,889. Welling United beat AFC Whyteleafe 1-0 to go top and then won 1-0 at Maldon & Tiptree on Tuesday.

Managerial changes came at Maldon & Tiptree, who appointed Steve Butterworth, and at Aveley, who named Alex Akrofi manager and confirmed a staff that includes Liam Bailey as assistant manager. Burgess Hill Town beat Maldon & Tiptree 4-1, with Jack Strange signing from Horsham.