Little Westfields live to fight another day
Ninth-tier Westfields, the lowestranked team left in the FA Cup, earned a first-round replay after a 1-1 draw with National League club Curzon Ashton.
Craig Jones had given Westfields, of the Midland League Premier Division, the lead from the penalty spot, but Adam Morgan’s late equaliser ensured the game would go to a replay.
The game of the day saw Sutton United beat Dartford in a nine-goal thriller thanks to goals from Craig Eastmond, Maxime Biamou, and two each from Ross Stearn and Roarie Deacon. An Elliot Bradbrook brace and Duane Ofori-Acheampong’s secondhalf equaliser gave the Darts hope, but Sutton held out for a 6-3 victory as they reached the second round for the first time since 2011.
Two League One sides struggled at home against National League opponents, as Walsall lost to Macclesfield Town and Gillingham were held to a 2-2 draw by Brackley Town. John McCombe scored the only goal for Macclesfield against a side two divisions above them, while Brackley had a two-goal lead before Frank Nouble scored twice to secure a replay.
Gillingham have not won in nine games and their manager, Justin Edinburgh, took full responsibility for the draw as supporters vented their frustration at Priestfield. “It was a tough afternoon but it could have been tougher,” he said. “The biggest frustration is that we haven’t won the game today, because that is what our expectations were. I take the blame for it. I understand [the fans’ frustration], 100 per cent. It’s not a problem as long as it’s aimed at me and doesn’t vent on to the pitch and gets aimed at the players. I accept the criticism.”
“During the game, I thought the supporters were fantastic. I’ve never walked away from a challenge in my life and I never will. I still believe that the group are with me.” ,
There was a controversial finish to Whitehawk’s 1-1 draw with Stourbridge when what they thought was a last-minute winner was ruled out because the referee had started to blow for full-time as Javier Favarel struck the ball. Whitehawk goalkeeper Ross Flitney was sent off for protesting against the decision.
Braintree Town were the biggest winners as they beat Eastbourne Borough 7-0, while Woking avoided a potential upset as they won 4-2 at Stockport County.
On target: Craig Jones gave Westfields an unlikely lead from the penalty spot against Curzon Ashton
Accrington Stanley, of League Two, produced a highly impressive performance to beat League One promotion hopefuls Bradford City 2-1 at Valley Parade, while Solihull Moors came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with League Two outfit Yeovil Town.
Elsewhere, Dover Athletic came from a goal behind to draw with Cambridge United, while Shaquille Coulthirst scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory for Peterborough United over Chesham United.
Another Football League side breathing a sigh of relief were MK Dons, who took a 3-0 lead against Northern Premier League outfit Spennymoor, but were left holding on after Joe Tait and Andrew Johnson reduced the deficit.