FA Cup third qualifying round draws near across the steps

A string of Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round ties have been confirmed across the non-league pyramid for Saturday 3 October. Brentwood Town announced that their tie against Dagenham & Redbridge at The Arena has sold out, setting a new club attendance record and earning live coverage on BBC Sport. Dartford, who go into the weekend on a run of seven straight wins and top of their table, travel to Tadley Calleva, while Cambridge City host Alvechurch, Brackley Town face Chelmsford City, Leiston entertain Coventry United, and Dorking Wanderers welcome Chatham Town. Cray Wanderers will host Chippenham Town, Ebbsfleet United take on Sholing, Guiseley face Bradford (Park Avenue), Marine meet Warrington Town, Gloucester City travel to Mulbarton Town, Spennymoor Town host Chester, Macclesfield face Scarborough, Uxbridge play Hungerford Town, Sheppey United host Chertsey Town, and Atherton Collieries go to Trafford.

Several fixtures have had to be rearranged because of continued cup involvement. Wroxham's Isthmian League home game with Takeley has moved to 1 December, Ashton United's league meeting with Guiseley now takes place on 24 November, and Leek Town's match with Gainsborough Trinity has shifted to the same date. Paulton Rovers have had two fixtures postponed, against Weymouth, who remain in the FA Trophy, and Hungerford Town, who are still in the FA Cup, while Bridon Ropes' game with Sheppey Sports has been pushed back to 21 November because of Sheppey United's progress.

In league action, Real Bedford extended their winning run to nine games from nine with a 3-2 victory over Leiston at the Ledger Stadium, Josh Allen converting a stoppage-time penalty. Dartford beat Whitehawk 2-1 at Princes Park, Max Fiddes scoring twice to take his tally for the season to ten and send his side top of the Isthmian Premier table. Workington made it six successive league wins with a 3-1 victory at Emley, Louis Jacobs scoring in stoppage time, while Gorleston moved top of their division with a 2-0 win at Buckhurst Hill, their third consecutive 2-0 result.

In the FA Trophy, Quorn beat Leamington 4-2 to equal their best run in the competition, while Banbury United defeated Peterborough Sports 3-1 with goals from Jacob Scott, AJ George and Ben Nash. Haywards Heath Town set a club record attendance of 1,267 as they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 in the Sussex Senior Cup. Horsham produced a Sussex Senior Cup record, scoring ten goals against Newhaven.

Away from results, Welling United announced the death of former captain Ray Burgess, who made over 1,000 appearances for the club. Dereham Town confirmed that an inherited HMRC debt, with interest and penalties, has now been cleared in full. Fawley reported that their ground is fully operational again after a theft of power cables, following emergency repairs and community support. Injuries also featured: Haverhill Rovers' Ben Bradley requires surgery after breaking his fibula, and Bexhill United's Richie Welch and Max Hollobone both await scans on serious knee injuries .