The FA Cup. England's greatest cup competition. Saturday saw 64 teams battling it out to qualify for the first round. In this article, we look at some of the main stories from the FA Cup.
Step Four Biggleswade were in 'dreamland' when they were drawn at home to National League promotion hopefuls York City. It was billed as the biggest game in Biggleswade's short history. The Bedfordshire-based side have only existed for eight years and do not have a ground of their own.
After five straight wins, Biggleswade were rewarded with a bumper tie with York. They smashed their club record attendance of 1,180 as they unsurprisingly lost 1-3 to the Minstermen.
However, the result on the day was insignificant, as York chairman Matt Uggla showed his class, donating his clubs portion of the gate receipts to their hosts as they look to build their own stadium.
🤝 Following this afternoon’s fixture against @BiggleswadeFc1, Co-Chair Matt Uggla has pledged to give York City’s percentage of the gate receipt back to Biggleswade Football Club.#YCFC 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/FcDQrgiMDS
— York City FC (@YorkCityFC) October 12, 2024
Gainsborough hosted Boston United in the 'most highly anticipated Lincolnshire Derby for years.' The hosts were big underdogs, sat two divisions behind their National League visitors.
Boston went into the lead after 20 minutes through current top scorer Jacob Hazel. Jordan Helliwell made the scores level going into half-time. Ashley Jackson made it 2-1 on the hour mark and Trinity looked to be heading towards a famous victory until Aaron Braithwaite was sent off in the third minute of four added.
To compound the hosts' misery even further, Ian Culverhouse's side equalised in the 97th minute through Oluwalopemiwa Aderoju who scored his first senior goal.
The result angered those connected with Gainsborough, who must dust themselves down ahead of their short trip to Boston on Tuesday for the replay.
Step Four Hednesford hosted Gateshead in the televised game of the round, priced as massive underdogs. Despite this, Gateshead fans had reason to feel sceptical as they struggled and lost away at Tamworth midweek.
Temporary manager Ben Clark named a strong side but the Head struggled to break down their lower-ranked opposition, until the 64th minute as youngster Tyrelle Newton netted the opener.
However, they were pegged back a few minutes later thanks to an equaliser from Rob Stevenson. This draw means Hednesford are the lowest ranked still in the FA Cup. They must overcome Gateshead in a replay on Tuesday first - priced at a massive 11.00.
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