FA Vase and Trophy weekend reshapes the non-league calendar

Historic cup runs headlined the weekend's FA Vase and FA Trophy ties. Darlington Town beat Whitley Bay 2-1 to reach the first round proper for the first time as Darlington Town FC, Nathan Stephenson scoring a late free kick in front of 405 supporters. Boldon C.A. reached the same stage for the first time in 46 years, while Worsbrough Bridge Athletic got there for the first time since 2001/02 after beating Wakefield AFC on Friday night. Thornton Cleveleys also reached the first round proper for the first time, Jackson Bateman scoring the only goal away at Newcastle Benfield.

In the FA Trophy, Canvey Island produced the standout comeback, coming from two goals down to beat Cambridge City 3-2, with Cawley and May scoring in a second-half spell described by the club as three goals in 38 minutes. Welwyn Garden City reached the third qualifying round for the first time in seven years, coming from behind to beat Walthamstow 2-1 through Eddie Corbit and Kendall Gyamfi. Didcot Town equalled their record win in the competition, beating AFC Stoneham 4-0 with JP Nyuysemo scoring his first hat-trick for the club.

Elsewhere in the Trophy, Stafford Rangers made it nine wins from ten games this season with a 3-0 win at Kidsgrove Athletic, goals coming from Mitch Clarke, Joe Thompson and Kyle Sambor. Shifnal Town beat Shepshed Dynamo 3-0 with Chay Scrivens scoring twice and Andre Landell adding a third. Blyth Spartans advanced to the third round qualifying, and Tiverton Town did likewise, beating Larkhall 3-0 inspired by Billy Tucker. Runcorn Linnets went out on penalties after a last-minute equaliser, while Sheppey United lost 3-0 to Deal Town and finished with nine men, and Morpeth Town exited 1-0 at home to Dunston.

Back in league action, Bromsgrove Sporting secured a big win over Bury Town, with striker Jamille Matt reflecting on the victory after the final whistle. Bath City won the A4 derby against Chippenham, Donny Wilson and Scott Wilson on the scoresheet. Halesowen Town beat Leighton Town 4-2 with goals from Vanylson Silva, Milan Butterfield, twice, and Jason Cowley, following their own FA Cup progress. Uxbridge stayed top of their division with a 5-0 win over Chichester City, who slipped to seventh.

The FA Vase first round proper follows on 10 October, for which dozens of clubs already know their opponents, including Darlington Town away to St Helens, Boldon C.A. at home to local rivals Jarrow, and Bishop Auckland hosting Newton Aycliffe. Off the pitch, Cirencester Town announced the passing of lifelong supporter, former kitman and volunteer Bernie Reed, while Stourbridge are to install a suicide prevention bench in memory of Olly Wilkes on 3 October.