Stafford Rangers thrashed Gateshead 5–0, Worcester City won it with a spectacular late strike and Cray Wanderers held their nerve on penalties on a dramatic night of FA Cup qualifying replays.
Tuesday’s eleven fourth qualifying round replays completed the first-round line-up. For clubs further down the pyramid, it brought the prospect of a meeting with EFL opposition—and, in Stafford’s case, a result that will take some beating.
Stafford hit Gateshead for five
Eighth-tier Stafford Rangers produced the night’s standout scoreline, beating National League Gateshead 5–0 to earn a home tie against Grimsby Town.
Scott Bakkor and Darrhyl Mason put Rangers two up before half-time. Mitch Clarke, Joe Dunne and Jack Birch, from the penalty spot, completed the scoring after the break. Stafford had needed a replay after drawing 1–1 in the original tie; back on home turf, they left no doubt.
Footage from the stand captured the occasion with Stafford already four goals ahead, alongside a call for the television cameras to return for Grimsby.
The club also shared the players’ dressing-room celebrations after the final whistle:
Rowe’s late stunner sends Worcester through
Worcester City’s route was considerably tighter. Luke Rowe struck from distance late in normal time to beat Chorley 1–0 at Sixways, sending the seventh-tier side to League Two Colchester United.
It completed a tie in which Worcester had already rescued themselves with Josh Ezewele’s late equaliser in Saturday’s 1–1 draw. This time Rowe provided the decisive moment, with extra time approaching.
Worcester’s own footage shows the goal:
The official FA Cup account shared another view of the winner:
Cray win a shootout, Alvechurch book Plymouth trip
Cray Wanderers and Bedford Town finished 2–2 after extra time, before Cray won the penalty shootout 4–3. Their reward is a home tie against Stockport County.
Alvechurch were more emphatic, beating Spalding United 4–0 to set up a trip to Plymouth Argyle. The full-time footage and accompanying report highlighted goalkeeper Redman Evans’ contribution, including a penalty save, alongside the goals that settled the tie.
What supporters made of it
One supporter replying to Worcester’s goal video offered a succinct verdict: “fair play,absolute screamer 🤝”.
Another supporter responded to Stafford’s celebration video: “Amazing 🖤🤍🥰”.
All the replay results
Tuesday 20 October 2026:
- Alvechurch 4–0 Spalding United
- Anstey Nomads 0–3 Macclesfield
- Cray Wanderers 2–2 Bedford Town after extra time; Cray won 4–3 on penalties
- FC United of Manchester 2–6 Altrincham
- Forest Green Rovers 5–0 Chesham United
- Gloucester City 0–2 Barrow
- Harrogate Town 3–1 Bury
- Stafford Rangers 5–0 Gateshead
- Tadley Calleva 0–2 Aldershot Town
- Worcester City 1–0 Chorley
- Yeovil Town 5–2 Leatherhead
Who do the replay winners face next?
FA Cup first round proper · Weekend of 7 November 2026
| Replay winner | First-round opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Stafford Rangers | Grimsby Town | Home |
| Worcester City | Colchester United | Away |
| Cray Wanderers | Stockport County | Home |
| Alvechurch | Plymouth Argyle | Away |
| Macclesfield | Mansfield Town | Away |
| Altrincham | Notts County | Home |
| Forest Green Rovers | Luton Town | Away |
| Barrow | Gillingham | Away |
| Harrogate Town | AFC Fylde | Home |
| Aldershot Town | Barnsley | Away |
| Yeovil Town | Chesterfield | Away |
Exact match dates, kick-off times and television selections remain subject to confirmation. Eighth-tier Stafford Rangers and AFC Rushden & Diamonds are the lowest-tier clubs remaining following Tadley Calleva’s exit.
The full first-round draw
All 40 ties, five to watch and the lowest-tier clubs remaining:
Sources
- Football Web Pages: final replay results
- Gateshead FC: Stafford Rangers report
- Worcester City: Chorley report
- The FA: first-round draw and round details
- Original club footage, reporter post and supporter reactions embedded above.
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