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FA Cup round-up | Gainsborough and Hyde through, with three sides set for replays

Gainsborough Trinity and Hyde United are now officially one win away from a place in the FA Cup first round proper, after they were victorious in the third qualifying round over the weekend.

Both Step 3 sides did so by knocking out NPL East Division opposition.

Firstly, Gainsborough, who reached the second round proper last season, continued to impress in the FA Cup after a 2-1 win away at Dunston.

The Holy Blues took the lead in Gateshead inside the opening 20 minutes through Jonny Margetts, and the scorer turned provider for Javelle Clarke to make it two with just over 15 minutes remaining.

Dunston got one back in second-half stoppage time, and they almost produced some more late magic against Premier Division opposition, hitting the post from a free-kick in the 95th minute.

In the end, it wasn’t to be for Step 4 Dunston, nor was it for Matlock Town, who were beaten 1-0 by Hyde United.

The Gladiators faced an uphill battle with 10 men for the entire second half after Tommy Elliott was sent off, and Hyde’s pressure told on the hour mark when Jack Redshaw rounded Jake Oram to put the Tigers in front.

Hyde and Gainsborough will certainly be joined in the next round by one other NPL representative.

A 94th-minute Jason Gilchrist strike earned Premier Division side Ashton United a replay, denying NPL West Division side Runcorn Linnets a place in the fourth qualifying round for the first time.

Linnets outfit took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Ryan Brooke, and both sides had plenty of chances to score in the second half, until Gilchrist got the telling goal to break Linnets' hearts.

They’ll have to contend with a midweek replay, as will Hednesford Town, who will make the long trip down to Essex to take on Billericay Town after their game at Keys Park ended goalless.

And three other NPL sides were knocked out by higher-level opposition.

Photo credit: Jonathan White

Last season’s Premier Division champions Macclesfield had to wait until the second half to break down NPL West Division side Nantwich Town, but goals from Josh Kay and Danny Elliott ensured a place in the fourth qualifying round for the Silkmen.

Southport made no mistake away at struggling Premier Division side Morpeth Town, with three unanswered goals before the hour mark putting the game to bed, despite Dom Dos Santos Martins’ late effort for the Highwaymen.

And NPL Midlands Division side Sutton Coldfield Town couldn’t overcome Step 3 opposition as Stamford held out for a 1-0 away win, thanks to a Kai Tongue penalty.

The draw for the fourth qualifying round will take place on Monday, with sides from the National League entering the draw for the first time.

FA Cup results involving Northern Premier League sides: