FA Cup roundup: Non-League quartet bow out in first round

It proved a tough afternoon for the non-league contingent in the FA Cup first round on Sunday, with all four sides bowing out against EFL opposition.

National League North outfit South Shields kicked things off, falling 3-1 at home to League Two Shrewsbury Town despite a lively start in front of the TNT Sports cameras.

Eastleigh were next to exit, beaten 3-0 by Walsall. Scott Bartlett’s men impressed early on but were made to pay for missed chances as the League Two visitors showed their cutting edge.

There was heartbreak for Maldon & Tiptree, who led Port Vale after just six minutes before eventually succumbing 5-1, bringing their spirited cup run to an end.

And Gainsborough Trinity pushed Accrington Stanley all the way to extra-time, only to fall narrowly to a 2-1 defeat and miss out on a place in round two.

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South Shields 1-3 Shrewsbury Town

The Mariners made a bright start at a packed 1st Cloud Arena, with Cedwyn Scott and Ollie Bainbridge both going close inside the opening ten minutes. But once Shrewsbury settled, the gulf in class began to show.

A double from Anthony Scully and a Thomas Sang strike had the visitors three up by half-time, leaving Ian Watson’s side with a mountain to climb.

Luke Woolston pulled one back midway through the second half with a deflected effort, but it proved only a consolation as South Shields’ cup run ended at the first-round stage.

Eastleigh 0-3 Walsall

The Spitfires made a lively start and threatened through Harvey Saunders, who twice went close before the break, but it was the visitors who struck first – Evan Weir bundling home from close range inside ten minutes.

Weir then turned provider early in the second half, setting up Daniel Kanu to double Walsall’s lead, before substitute Jamille Matt sealed the victory late on.

Despite plenty of endeavour, Bartlett’s side couldn’t find a way past Myles Roberts.

Port Vale 5-1 Maldon & Tiptree

Anisius Lewis gave the eighth-tier visitors a shock lead after just six minutes, volleying home Cameron James’ cross to spark hopes of a famous upset.

But Vale’s quality soon told – Ruari Paton equalised with a fine strike before George Hall, Paton again, and Devante Cole all scored in a frantic spell that left the hosts 4-1 up inside 24 minutes.

Cole added his second after the break to round off the scoring, ending a memorable run for the Jammers, the lowest-ranked side in the competition.

Gainsborough Trinity 1-2 Accrington Stanley (AET)

The Northern Premier League outfit more than held their own against opponents three divisions higher, growing into the game after falling behind to Paddy Madden’s first-half strike.

Sisa Tuntulwana’s 76th-minute header sent the home crowd into raptures, giving Trinity real hope of another famous upset.

But despite their grit and spirit, Charlie Caton’s close-range finish in the fifth minute of extra time broke Gainsborough hearts – ending a memorable cup journey that began all the way back in August.

READ MORE: Ian Watson wants more big occasions for South Shields after FA Cup defeat