Key Highlights
- National League sides Boreham Wood, Brackley, Carlisle, and Gateshead cause big shocks by beating higher division opponents.
- Brackley Town wins 4-3 on penalties against Notts County after a 2-2 draw.
- Gateshead beats AFC Wimbledon 2-0 in the first round of FA Cup matches.
- Carlisle comes from behind to win 3-2 at Reading, while Boreham Wood defeats Crawley Town 3-0.
The Upsets and Thrills of the First Round
In a day filled with upsets, drama, and thrills in the FA Cup first round, National League sides caused significant shocks by beating teams from higher divisions. Gateshead’s 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane stands out as one of the biggest surprises.
Brackley Town: The Penalty Shootout Drama
Notts County and Brackley Town faced off in a match that required extra time and penalties to decide the winner. Despite going behind, Brackley leveled the score through Matt Lowe before their goal was disallowed under dubious circumstances. Notts County regained the lead from the penalty spot after Jonny Maxted was adjudged to have fouled Conor Grant.
With the match seemingly heading for a standard 1-2 win for Notts County, Callum Stewart scored a crucial equalizer in injury time from the spot after Ollie Norburn handled the ball. The tension continued as penalties were eventually required, with Brackley’s Zak Brown sealing their place in the second round by converting the decisive kick.
Gateshead: A 2-0 Triumph Over AFC Wimbledon
At Plough Lane, Gateshead demonstrated resilience and determination to defeat AFC Wimbledon 2-0. The victory marks a significant upset for the National League side as they secured their place in the next round of the FA Cup.
Boreham Wood: A Dominant Performance Against Crawley Town
In another standout performance, Boreham Wood easily dispatched Crawley Town 3-0. This win adds to the growing list of upsets as lower league teams continue to challenge higher division opponents in the competition.
Other Notable Results and Reactions
The day’s action saw a total of 34 teams advance to the second round draw, with more results still to come on Sunday and Monday. Chelmsford thrashed Braintree in an Essex derby, while Luton beat Forest Green in a seven-goal thriller.
Managerial Reactions
Gavin Cowan, boss of Brackley Town, expressed his delight at the result despite the challenges faced during the match. “I thought we came out a bit slow in the second half but we were happy to let them have the ball in areas,” he said. “We wanted to make it a condensed pitch, be really patient and when it turned over the players were so brave, so courageous and played forward. It worked for us.” Cowan also praised his team’s effort and dedication.
Conclusion
The FA Cup first round has proven once again to be an unpredictable and exciting affair, with several upsets dominating the results. As more matches unfold over the weekend, fans will eagerly await further drama and surprises from this prestigious tournament. The day’s action highlights the competitive nature of the competition and showcases why it remains a beloved fixture in football.
