Cray Wanderers ride wave of cup history as Isthmian clubs chase glory

Few weeks in non-league football produce a story like the one Cray Wanderers have just lived through. Having beaten National League South leaders Maidstone United 2-0 in an FA Cup replay through goals from Ola Ogunwamide and Ade Yusuff, Tim O'Shea's side backed it up with an FA Trophy penalty shoot-out win at Cheshunt, JJ Briggs saving the decisive spot kick before Jakob Lowe held his nerve. Cray then returned to league duty and thumped Maldon & Tiptree 5-1 at Park Drive, a result that lifted them to 11th in the Isthmian Premier and set up a first ever meeting with Chippenham Town in the FA Cup third qualifying round. It is, by any measure, one of the best runs in the club's history, and it continues to roll on.

Dartford were among several clubs focusing on knockout football, Dartford extended their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions, beating Leiston 3-0 in the FA Trophy with Max Fiddes among the scorers, before turning attention back to the league. Manager Ben Greenhalgh, who was named the KentOnline Manager of the Week, said September had been "incredible" for a side that has rotated heavily through a run of six games in the month. Dartford also reached the Kent Senior Cup second round with a 2-0 win over Ramsgate.

Eastbourne Borough kept pace with a 4-2 win over Welwyn Garden City in the FA Trophy, Kai Corbett scoring twice from the penalty spot, with Arthur Grout and Freddie Carter also on target. Enfield Town beat fellow Step 3 side Hanwell Town 4-2 in the FA Trophy thanks to substitute Tariq Al-Sadi, who struck twice off the bench, including a stoppage-time winner.

Leatherhead also went the distance, beating Ramsgate 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the FA Trophy third qualifying round at Fetcham Grove. Billy Munday's late header forced the shoot-out after Marcel's solo goal looked to have settled it. Lewes bowed out, beaten 2-1 at Uxbridge after a potential equaliser was ruled out following a lengthy delay and confusion among the match officials.

Burgess Hill Town also progressed, thrashing Winslow United 6-2 in the FA Trophy, Shamir Fenelon and Chris Whelpdale both scoring twice, while Welling United's Trophy run ended on penalties against Chertsey Town despite Lekan Majoyegbe's brace. At Maldon & Tiptree, the club's new ownership used a lengthy statement to reassure supporters after a difficult run of results, with Igor Furtado insisting "we are not panicking" as the Jammers searched for a new manager.

With teams still competing across the FA Cup, FA Trophy and county competitions, October offers little respite in an already packed schedule.