Southern League clubs make FA Cup mark as Poole lose both managers

Southern League clubs enjoyed significant progress in the FA Cup this week. Sholing won 2-1 at National League South side Ebbsfleet United, coming from behind through Tommy-Lee Higgs and debutant Jonas Mukuna. The club called it one of the greatest results in its history, and it equals their best FA Cup run. They now host SE Dons in the Fourth Qualifying Round, a tie that has pushed their league fixture with Uxbridge back.

Uxbridge have their own reason for a rearranged fixture. Their last-round win took them through for the first time in 92 years, and they drew Hornchurch at home. Leiston beat Coventry United 3-1 through Eddie Jackson, Noel Aitkens and Adam Mills, and will host Guiseley. Wimborne Town won 2-1 at Crowborough Athletic, with Owen Roundell scoring a penalty and captain Sam Roberts the winner on his 100th appearance; Chelmsford City are due at the Wyatt Homes Stadium. Worcester City won 3-1 at Kettering Town and travel to Chorley.

Other Southern League sides bowed out of the competition. Real Bedford lost 4-3 at National League South side Chesham United, scoring twice late through Ben Stevens and Archie Jones. Bromsgrove Sporting lost 2-1 at Bury, ending a nine-match unbeaten run, with Ollie Harrison scoring in stoppage time. Halesowen Town drew 1-1 at Stafford Rangers thanks to a 97th-minute equaliser from Vanylson Silva, then lost the replay 2-1 in front of 2,078.

Away from the cup, Poole Town announced that joint managers Joe Lea and Pat Suraci had resigned. The board said it was a shock given talks over a new contract, and that the club sits in the play-off places, two points off first place. Josh Staunton and Jamie Whisken are in interim charge. In their statement, Lea and Suraci said: "We leave the club 2 points off the top of the table, having taking over when the club was 18th two seasons ago."

At Leighton Town, Paul Reed left after a 4-2 defeat to Peterborough Sports. The club has appointed Andy Leese and Jon Meakes, who take over after the Bedfordshire Senior Cup tie with Barton Rovers, with Stourbridge their first league match. Peterborough Sports confirmed Mark Ducket as first-team manager after a spell in interim charge.

In league action, Hitchin Town secured their first win at the ninth attempt—beating Leighton 1-0 via a Taylor Rhiney penalty—before losing 4-0 at Leamington. Rushall Olympic defeated Needham Market 5-3, despite Liam Pearce striking twice for the visitors.