The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

There were very few 'surprises' results about in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round on Saturday involving teams from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

In fact only two Evo-Stik NPL teams suffered defeats to lower league opposition, although another five face replays where 'upsets' are still a possibility.

Two Baker Joiner Midland Alliance sides inflicted `upsets` on Evo-Stik NPL teams.

Bridgnorth Town caused the biggest shock by beating Premier Division Rushall Olympic 3-1 at home with goals from Liam Bood after 27 minutes, Ryan Guryn on 64 and Kevin Buxton five minutes from time – Lei Brown replying for the Pics just before the break.

At Coles Lane, Evo-Stik NPL First Division South outfit Sutton Coldfield Town went down to a 3-0 defeat to Gornal Athletic.

Chris Rathbone broke the deadlock by giving Gornal the lead from the spot five minutes into the second half and then Matt Weyman and Marvin Nesbett scored twice midway through the half to ease through to the next round.

Eastwood Town, who this time last year were plying their trade in the Blue Square Bet North, were held to a 1-1 draw at Coronation Park by East Midlands Counties League minnows Blaby & Whetstone Athletic.

The clubs were some four divisions apart a year ago, but this time the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division strugglers were grateful to an 80th minute Greg Simmons leveller after Liam Read had given the visitors a 66th minute lead.

Evo-Stik NPL First Division North side Ossett Town left it even later before earning a second go at Premier Division Whitby Town.

Nathan Mulligan had given the Seasiders an early seventh minute lead that looked like taking them through at Ingfield, until James Cotterill popped up with Ossett's equaliser in stoppage time at the end of the game.

Midland Alliance side Stourport Swifts took a 41st minute lead through Lewis Pountney at Walshes Meadow against Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Stafford Rangers but Michael Carr earned the visitors a replay with a 66th minute equaliser.

Thurnby Nirvana were East Midlands Counties League rivals of Gresley FC a couple of years ago, but now the Moatmen are back in the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South.

However, they looked to be heading for an upset as the home side took a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes from George Hyman and Reece Morris. But Gresley fought back to earn a Moat replay with goals from Richard Hanslow on 62 minutes and Mark Goodfellow 15 minutes from time.

The day's biggest winners were Curzon Ashton – the Evo-Stik NLP First Division North high-flyers hammering Baris Northern Counties East League strugglers 8-1 at the Tameside Stadium.

Tom Evans hit a hat-trick, Kristian Dennis a brace – including a penalty - with singles from Lee Blackshaw, Sam Walker from the spot and Nathan Neequaye – and all after Craig Gladwin had struck a ninth minute equaliser for Main!

Ebac Northern League side Dunston UTS were six minutes away from ousting Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Kendal Town from the Cup until Josh Kenworthy made it 3-3.

Dale Burrell gave the hosts a 14th minute lead but the Cumbrians moved 2-1 ahead through Alex Randall 10 minutes later and then Scott Harries just after the break.

But goals from Chris Swailes after 68 minutes and Steve Preen four minutes later put UTS in control until Kenworthy earned the visitors a second chance.

Evo-Stik NPL clubs fared well against outside opposition, although Evo-Stik First Division South side King's Lynn Town left it extremely late before earning a home replay against Evo-Stik League Southern Division One Central outfit Daventry Town, whose Scott Cross had given them a 61st minute lead. Jason Turner's stoppage time penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw for the league's new boys.

Evo-Stik First Division South side Leek Town made no mistake at Harrison Park against West Midlands (Regional) Leaguers Bewdley Town, hitting five without reply, including a hat-trick from new signing Peter Wright and goals from Rob Stevenson and Matty Haddrell.

Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Buxton edged past former Evo-Stik NPL side, now ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League, Quorn by the odd goal in three.

Kyle Nix bagged a brace of penalties in a ttwo minute second half spell, and they held on, despite Tyrone Kirk's 71st minute reply.

Another Premier Evo-Stik NPL Division side, Hednesford Town, won 3-0 at old rivals and now Evo-Stik Southern Premier Redditch United with goals from Elliot Durrell and a Nathan Wolfe brace.

Evo-Stik NPL First Division North Trafford's high scoring attack hit three without reply at North West Counties League side Runcorn Town. First half goals from Will Ahern, Billy Burgess and, inevitably, Michael Oates, sealed Trafford`s passage.

Trafford's league rivals Warrington Town had a tougher test at Cantilever Park against another NWCL outfit, Maine Road, winning courtesy of Liam Shipton`s 80th minute goal.

Evo-Stik NPL First Division South side New Mills had a Steve Moore brace in the 44th and 53rd minute to thank for their 2-1 win at reigning Northern Counties East champions Retford United, whose Steve Phillips responded in the 67th minute.

Evo-Stik Premier Division AFC Fylde scored twice in the final 18 minutes through Bradley Barnes and Joe Booth to see off Evo-Stik NPL First Division North new boys Ramsbottom United at home after Michael Barnes' 32nd minute opener had been cancelled out within a minute by Dominic Smalley.

Fylde's league rivals Blyth Spartans, who have such a proud FA Cup history, edged past Evo-Stik First Division North visitors Garforth Town, thanks to a 31st minute Phil Airey effort at Croft Park.

NWCL hosts Bootle led Evo-Stik NPL First Division North Bamber Bridge through Michael Young's 40th minute goal at home until Andy Bell notched a brace in the 76th and 85th minute to take Brig through.

Burscough and Witton Albion swapped placed at the end of last season and Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Albion went through 4-2, courtesy of an Ashley Stott double and singles from Darren Andrews and Shaun Tuck after Phil Williams` brace in the 53rd and 85th minute for the Linnets.

Elsewhere, the reliable Gary Bradshaw scored twice for Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division North Ferriby United as they beat NCEL side Eccleshill United.

Evo-Stik First Division South side Stamford AFC won 2-1 at UCL Premier Division neighbours Holbeach United, whose Andy Tidswell caused a few nerves with an 81st minute penalty reply after the Daniels led through goals from Richard Jones in the 8th and Jordan Smith in the 66th minute.

Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division high-flyers Ashton United won 3-1 at Evo-Stik First Division North Prescot Cables, Aaron Burns, Chris Lynch and Matty Barlow outgunning James Thomas.

But Evo-Stik First Division South Belper Town will have home advantage now after holding Evo-Stik Premier Division neighbours Matlock Town to a 2-2 draw at Causeway Lane.

The Nailers came back from being a sixth minute Joe Leesley goal down to lead 2-1 through Simon Harrison and Aaron Pride in the 13th and 17th minute, only for Shaun Tuton to level a minute before the break for the Gladiators.