FA Cup qualifying brings first-time milestones for Redditch and Coventry United

The FA Cup provided the backbone of the week's action, with several clubs reaching stages they have not seen in years. Redditch United reached the Third Qualifying Round for the first time in 15 years, while AFC Rushden & Diamonds did likewise for the first time in a decade, beating Peterborough Sports 3-1. Coventry United will play Hednesford Town at Keys Park having reached this stage in the club's history for the first time, and Mulbarton Wanderers enjoyed their best ever FA Cup run before bowing out 2-1 to Woodford Town.

Elsewhere in the competition, FC United of Manchester beat Ossett United 4-1 with goals from Buckley, Palinkas, Atkinson and Devine, while Spennymoor Town thrashed Emley AFC 4-0 away. Dover Athletic came from behind to beat Folkestone Invicta 4-2, and Real Bedford continued their rise with a 2-1 win over Harleston Town thanks to goals from CJ Kiala and Conor Tee, reaching the Third Qualifying Round for the first time under that name. Stafford Rangers edged Hereford 3-2 with a Scott Bakkor brace and a Jack Birch goal, a match watched by around 2,500 supporters. Leiston won 2-1 at Hitchin Town through Adam Mills and Eddie Jackson, sending them into the next round for the third year running.

Replays will follow several drawn ties: Chippenham Town and Yate Town finished 0-0, Worksop Town drew 2-2 with AFC Telford United, Cray Wanderers were held 1-1 by Maidstone United, and Farnham Town drew 2-2 at Cirencester Town, with that tie switching to Farnham for Tuesday night. Hemel Hempstead Town drew 1-1 with Wingate & Finchley, and Weston-super-Mare were held 1-1 at home by Wimborne Town in a match that will also go to a replay.

Among the notable scorelines, Chesham United thrashed Ware 7-2, with a Dubem Eze hat-trick, and Hartley Wintney put eight past Littlehampton thanks to a Danilo hat-trick. Penzance beat Launceston 7-0, with Charlie Willis scoring a first career hat-trick for the Magpies. Dulwich Hamlet beat Welling United 4-1 and will now face Brentwood Town, while Chatham Town progressed courtesy of Jack Lyons' winner.

Off the pitch, Farnborough confirmed it is seeking a sale or investment, a significant development for the club, while Bury issued a statement condemning racist abuse directed at one of their players during their tie with Workington. Redditch United changed its ground regulations following antisocial behaviour at a fixture against Halesowen Town, and Dagenham & Redbridge addressed abusive and threatening conduct towards match officials from supporters at recent games.

There was sad news too: Cray Wanderers announced the death of former captain John Dorey, aged 88, who made more than 450 appearances for the club, while Workington paid tribute to former director Colin Doorbar, who died aged 82. Exmouth Town and Torquay United both marked the passing of former goalkeeper Kevin Miller. Injury news was heavy at Farnham Town, where Tom Leggett suffered a ruptured ACL against Horsham, ruling him out for the season, and at Weston-super-Mare, where several players remain sidelined including Josh Salmon, who is awaiting ACL surgery.