FA Cup Rundown: What did we learn from the Fourth Round Qualifying?

By Sam Gale

The FA Cup once again proved why it remains one of the most beloved competitions in football, delivering all the ingredients that make it so special – drama, shocks, and unforgettable moments.

From giant killings to last-minute winners and high-scoring thrillers, this round had it all as clubs from across the pyramid battled to keep their cup dreams alive.

Maldon & Tiptree remain the lowest-ranked side left in the competition after they defeated fellow Step 4 side Flackwell Heath 1-0 last weekend.

Sam Gale looks back at the standout results and storylines from another memorable weekend that showed the magic of the FA Cup is still very much alive.

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Trinity sweep Pools aside 

Hartlepool United 1-3 Gainsborough Trinity (initial tie ended 1-1)

Gainsborough Trinity pulled off a shock FA Cup win away at Hartlepool United.

Sisa Tuntulwana opened the scoring with a solo effort before Fraser Preston struck twice – including a stunning free kick – to make it 3-0.

Luke Charman grabbed a late consolation for the hosts, but the damage was done. Gainsborough advance to the First Round Proper, where a home tie against League Two side Accrington Stanley awaits them.

Meanwhile, Hartlepool endured a humbling early exit – their third successive elimination before the first round proper, following disappointments in both 2023 and 2024.

A post before the game announcing Hartlepool’s potential first-round opponents – but framed as though the tie was already confirmed – appeared to fuel the fire for the Northern Premier League side.

Sutton edge Farnham after two games 

Sutton United 3-2 Farnham Town (initial tie ended 3-3)

Sutton United narrowly avoided a giant-killing, edging past Farnham Town 3-2 after extra time.

The visitors led twice through Bobby-Joe Taylor and Owen Dean, but Sutton levelled both times.

With penalties looming, Will Tizzard struck late in extra time to send Sutton into the First Round Proper and break Farnham hearts.

The Southern League Premier Division South side were also mere seconds away from progressing to the next round in the home tie before Jayden Harris struck in stoppage time to take it to a replay.

Tudors edge past Glovers despite seeing red

Hemel Hempstead Town 2-1 Yeovil Town

Hemel Hempstead Town pulled off a stunning upset over Yeovil Town. Despite a first-half red card for Isiah Noel-Williams, Hemel led through Kyle Ajayi.

Yeovil fought back through Harvey Greenslade, but Finley Wilkinson’s late header secured a dramatic 2-1 victory, sending them into the First Round Proper for the first time since 2013 – coincidentally the same year their next opponents, Wigan Athletic, lifted the FA Cup.

The Glovers will shift their focus to the league as Richard Drysen continues to lead the climb up the National League table.

Bucks batter sorry Darlo 

Darlington 0-6 AFC Telford United

AFC Telford cruised to a stunning 6-0 win over Darlington, with goals from Dylan Allen-Hedley, Matty Stenson and Adan George twice – plus an own goal.

The dominant performance saw Telford advance comfortably to the First Round Proper, marking their biggest FA Cup victory ever.

Next up for the Shropshire side is a tie against the previously mentioned Sutton.

Standout performance: Rovers get the rub of the green against Rebels

Worthing 1-4 Forest Green Rovers

The TV cameras were at Woodside Road as boss Robbie Savage watched his Forest Green Rovers side cruise to a 4-1 victory.

Worthing, managed by Adam Hinshelwood on his return to the club, quickly found themselves 2-0 down after goals from Harry Whitwell and Tom Knowles,

Ex-Forest Green midfielder Teddy Jenks pulled one back for Worthing at 2-1 before Harvey Bunker and Jayden Clarke wrapped up a comprehensive win for the visitors.

Savage and his side now face a mouthwatering tie, as former Premier League outfit Luton Town will host them in the next round.

READ MORE: Which Non-League sides will take part in the FA Cup First Round Proper?