'They've created history' - Guiseley cause FA Cup shock to reach second round
Guiseley caused one of the upsets of the FA Cup first round proper, defeating National League side Sutton United 1-0 to move to within one win of a potential meeting with Premier League opposition.
The Lions left it late to clinch victory, with Jordan Thewlis' 94th minute penalty sending the majority of the 1,500 supporters inside Nethermoor into raptures.
It is just the third time in the club's 117-year history that they have reached this stage of the competition, but manager Ian Richards insists his players fully merited Saturday's win.
"I know we scored in the closing minutes with a penalty, but their first shot on target came from 25 yards in the 92nd minute," he said.
"We had excellent chances in the first and second half where we could have won the game.
"What I was really pleased with against a top National League side who played the strongest team, changed the personnel (during the game), changed the shape of the side that kept a clean sheet. That's credit to the players.
"They've created history, they've created memories and they've created even more connections with the supporters and people within the club.
"They're a really honest group and I'm so pleased for them.
"For me the cups are for the fans, the club and the players to have those memories."
Guiseley had lost just one of their previous 15 games in all competitions heading into Saturday's cup clash, and their confidence was on full display against opposition from two leagues above in the non-league pyramid.
They will learn who their second round opponents will be at around 6:45pm on Monday evening when the draw for the next stage of the competition is made.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Stafford Rangers fall short
The two other NPL representatives in the FA Cup first round fell to defeat against higher-level opposition.
NPL Midlands Division side AFC Rushden & Diamonds were beaten 4-0 at Burton Albion, who scored twice in either half to advance.
The League One side showed their superiority against a Diamonds side that were cheered on by almost 2,000 travelling supporters.
The NPL side named veteran forward Billy Sharp in their starting XI, following his much-coveted move the club ahead of the match.
Stafford Rangers, meanwhile, were knocked out in heartbreaking fashion by Grimsby Town.
The Boro lost 3-2 on penalties after a classic cup encounter ended 3-3 at the end of extra-time.
Stafford had led 2-0 at half-time, but quickfire goals drew Grimsby back on level terms inside the final quarter.
Darrhyl Mason restored the Stafford lead three minutes into extra-time, but the League Two side levelled just 14 minutes later.
In the shootout, Stafford - the lowest-ranked side left in the competition - saw three of their spot-kicks saved as Grimsby survived an almighty scare to advance.
All results involving Northern Premier League sides* are listed below:
Results - FA Cup first round
Burton Albion 4-0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Guiseley 1-0 Sutton United
Stafford Rangers 3-3 Grimsby Town (Grimsby Town win 3-2 on penalties)
*Bold signifies Northern Premier League team