In the spellbinding FA Cup first round, National League Aldershot didn’t just rain; they poured goals on Swindon from League Two, notching a seven-goal tally, while Ramsgate, an eighth-tier team, marked their inaugural advance into the second round on a thrilling Saturday.
Lee Martin, once a Red Devil at Manchester United, sealed Ramsgate’s victory over Woking 2-1 with a decisive second-half goal, positioning them as the lowest-ranked survivors in the competition.
It was Jack Barham’s spectacular three-goal haul that spearheaded Aldershot’s record-setting away triumph with a staggering 7-4 win over their hosts at the County Ground.
Continuing their trend, Yeovil Town, leaders of National League South, clinched a spot in the second round for the third consecutive year by edging past Gateshead 3-2.
Scarborough Athletic from the sixth tier snatched a chance at a rematch with Forest Green Rovers of League Two, thanks to Olly Sully’s last-minute score evening the odds.
The goal fest was unrelenting with 33 matches playing out, as Bristol Rovers, another team not shy on goals, hammered Whitby Town 7-2.
‘This Is the Pinnacle’
Ramsgate’s accomplishment was echoed by two other eighth-tier teams making the first-round cut, both hailing from the Isthmian League South East. With Sheppey United bowing out against Walsall and Cray Valley Paper Mills gearing up against Charlton, the excitement was palpable.
The Ramsgate squad, relatively new to this stage, triumphed despite being 62 ranks below Woking. Martin’s stellar free-kick punctuated a game where tactical discipline paid off, as noted by Ramsgate’s manager, Ben Smith, in an interview with BBC Radio Kent.
“It’s the kind of play we’ve been perfecting all season,” Smith said. “Today, it clicked, and it was a stunner of a goal. As for personal achievements, this victory is the jewel in the crown. It’s simply breathtaking.”
Disappointment and Humiliation for Swindon
For Swindon, their boss Michael Flynn’s emotions were a cocktail of hurt and shame after their devastating loss, especially following the recent extension of his contract through the 2025-26 season.
“We were disheveled from the start, conceding three goals almost immediately,” lamented Flynn to BBC Radio Wiltshire. “We’ve shown a lack of unity, which is frankly indefensible. Today’s performance was, without a doubt, the most dismal I’ve experienced.”
Whitby Faces the Odds, Bracknell Narrowly Misses
The scale of the challenge was evident as Whitby, from the seventh tier, faced the towering Bristol Rovers. Whitby managed to give their fans something to cheer about with an early goal, but by halftime, they trailed significantly and eventually succumbed 7-2, with the Rovers’ attack proving too diverse to contain.
While Cambridge United barely skirted past Bracknell Town with a narrow 2-1 margin, despite Bracknell’s late goal sparking a glimmer of hope.
Marine, having once reached the third round, fell to Harrogate with a 5-1 scoreline, unable to recreate their past magic.
Surprises and Standouts
The tides of fortune were mixed for other teams. Stockport confirmed their top form with a dominant win over Worksop, while Hereford fell to Gillingham at their own ground.
Scarborough’s fans held their breath as a potential upset was in the making until Forest Green managed a dramatic draw.
Yeovil Town had their nerves tested but managed to fend off Gateshead, thanks to their offensive prowess at Huish Park.
More Non-League Joy
The thrill was shared among sixth-tier teams Maidstone, Alfreton Town, and the National League’s Barnet and Eastleigh, all securing a second-round presence, while York and Chester face a replay after a deadlock.
The League One versus League Two battles saw the lower-tier emerge victoriously with Barrow, AFC Wimbledon, and Morecambe all causing upsets.
As the dust settles, the draw for the next round beckons at 2:30 PM GMT on Sunday, with teams eagerly awaiting their fate.
For the latest action and reactions from the FA Cup, keep your eyes peeled here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FA Cup upsets
How did eighth-tier Ramsgate manage to advance in the FA Cup?
Ramsgate, playing only their third FA Cup tie, beat National League team Woking 2-1. Lee Martin, a former Manchester United forward, scored the winning goal with a superb free-kick, making them the lowest-ranked team to proceed to the next round.
Which team scored seven goals in the FA Cup first round, setting a record?
National League Aldershot set a historic record by scoring seven goals against League Two’s Swindon in a remarkable 7-4 victory. Jack Barham notably contributed with a hat-trick.
Did any other teams score seven goals in the FA Cup first round?
Yes, Bristol Rovers also hit seven goals in their match, defeating seventh-tier Whitby Town with a scoreline of 7-2.
Was there a significant upset involving Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup?
Yes, sixth-tier Scarborough Athletic earned a replay against League Two’s Forest Green Rovers after a stoppage-time equalizer by Olly Sully made it a draw.
What was the reaction of Swindon’s manager to their defeat in the FA Cup?
Swindon manager Michael Flynn expressed feelings of hurt and embarrassment after his team’s loss to Aldershot. He described their performance as the worst he’s been involved with at any level.
More about FA Cup upsets
- FA Cup First Round Highlights
- Aldershot’s Historic Victory
- Lee Martin’s Winning Goal for Ramsgate
- Swindon’s Manager Reacts to Defeat
- Non-League Teams’ Success Stories
- Upcoming FA Cup Fixtures
4 comments
forest green was lucky to get that draw Scarborough had them on the ropes, can’t wait for the replay
wow just saw the game Aldershot was on fire today, 7 goals that’s insane for a non-league team! Swindon needs to up their game big time
Didn’t expect Bristol to hammer Whitby like that, they showed no mercy. proper football that
Swindon’s manager sounded really defeated in the interview, hurt and embarrassed? tough words to hear for the fans, for sure