Grays Athletic launch funding appeal as Morecambe face another registration embargo

Grays Athletic have launched an appeal to supporters and the community for funds towards the first-team playing budget. The club cited a shortfall after a main sponsor had yet to honour an agreed financial commitment. Chairman Lee Vehit also gave an interview covering the club's financial position, long-term future, recent results, the ongoing managerial position and Ship Lane.

Morecambe said they acknowledge the National League's decision to place the club under another player registration embargo, and that they are working to have it removed.

The death of Ezekiel Williams led to the postponement of the London Senior Cup first round tie between Woodford Town and Hendon, which had been scheduled for Wednesday 4 November. Hendon said the postponement was a mark of respect, and the club also reported that a GoFundMe page has been set up in his memory.

FA Cup first round ties headline the weekend fixtures. Sholing head to Salisbury for their first ever appearance in the competition proper, with tickets now on sale. Oxford City host Leicester City on Friday, with TV camera positions going in. Cray Wanderers host Stockport County on Sunday 8 November at 2.15pm, and Wimborne Town face Crawley Town on Sunday in a sold-out tie with live coverage on TNT Sports and HBO Max. Harborough Town are at Leyton Orient on Saturday, with BBC Radio Leicester covering it live, while Macclesfield meet Mansfield Town and Alvechurch play Argyle at Home Park.

Bradford (Park Avenue) went top of the table after a 2-0 win at Morpeth Town extended their club-record unbeaten league run to 16 matches. Truro City beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 in the National League Cup, Omar Bogle scoring in the 86th minute to top Group D and reach the last eight. Braintree Town went out in the group stage for the first time despite three wins in a row. Whitstable Town won 4-2 at Horley Town for a ninth successive win and moved to the top, and Farnham Town ended the league's only remaining unbeaten run to climb back into the top five, while Chelmsford City suffered a 2-0 home defeat.

Among the heavier scorelines, Coalville Town routed Cradley Town 8-0, West Auckland Town ran out 8-1 winners over Birtley Town, and Jamol Dare hit a hat-trick in Cirencester Town's 3-0 victory at Carterton. Roade also halted Harborough Town under-21s' 32-match winning streak with a 1-0 win. Warrington Town midfielder Josh Vela is likely to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Off the pitch, Harwich & Parkeston have organised a race night on 28 November to raise funds for Jake Gordon following his serious injury playing for the club. Downton and New Milton Town raised £600 for Betty's Battle at Saturday's game.