....Round of the Emirates FA Cup, whilst a third face a midweek replay.

Irlam followed up their heroics at Prescot Cables in the previous round as they went through 3-2 at fellow Premier Division side Runcorn Town, thanks to a late winner from Matty Boland and an earlier Jordan Buckley brace.

Ashton Athletic looked set to record another scalp in this competition against Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One East newcomers Morpeth Town through George Hassall’s header, but there was late heartbreak as Joe Walton’s penalty means that the Yellows will have to do it again in the North East on Tuesday.

In the other First Qualifying Round fixtures, Congleton Town were beaten 1-0 at home by Ebac Northern Leaguers Consett, and Burscough fell 4-0 at Warrington Town of the NPL Premier Division.

There was one outstanding Preliminary Round replay, and Daniel Trickett-Smith’s goal with 5 minutes remaining made it a cruel ending for Charnock Richard at NPL Division One West Leek Town. They went down 3-2.

The First Division Cup got underway on Saturday with eight first round ties, and the big winners were Sandbach United who thrashed high-flying New Mills 6-0.

James Kirby and Harry Cain were both amongst the goals twice.

Cheadle Town also hit six on the road to Atherton LR.

Rhys Clooney took home the match ball, and he was assisted by Rhys Webb’s double and a goal from Liam Delaney.

Wilson Rosa’s penalty was the hosts’ consolation.

Three late efforts, including Jack Edwards’ second of the match, helped Alsager Town to overcome Daisy Hill 5-3, and a four-goal salvo from Rob McCartney saw Carlisle City to a 4-2 victory at AFC Darwen.

AFC Blackpool also progressed into the Second Round thanks to a fine 3-2 win at Wythenshawe Town, Garway Dawson with what proved to be the decisive goal, and there was also a notable success for Nelson as they came from behind to defeat St Martins 3-1 at Little Wembley.

Two goals from Will Bailey ensured a safe passage for Stone Old Alleynians against Shelley, whilst Holker Old Boys against Garstang was abandoned at two apiece due to a serious injury to the visitors’ captain Josh Westwood.

As for the league action, Silsden extended their lead at the top of the Premier Division to five points.

Kyle Hancock netted in stoppage time to complete the turnaround in a 2-1 victory at Whitchurch Alport.

Padiham moved up to fifth as Jake Hargreaves’ goal with 15 minutes remaining edged out West Didsbury & Chorlton, and Litherland REMYCA claimed their first league win of the campaign in some style as they stunned second-bottom Abbey Hey 6-1.

Warren Jevons and Colin Quirk were both on the scoresheet twice.

In the First Division North, Lower Breck were strong contenders for performance of the day after winning 4-1 at leaders Avro.

Mick Douglas, Mason Nevitt, Jamie Henders and Brodie Kearns were on target for the Merseysiders.

Longridge Town stay third after an excellent 3-1 victory at Steeton, Gary Basterfield scoring twice, and AFC Liverpool are just behind as goals from Andrew Lewis and Joe Foster helped them beat St Helens Town 2-1 on Friday night.

A second half brace from Lee Grimshaw wrapped up a 3-0 win for Prestwich Heys at Cleator Moor Celtic, and three points on the road for Chadderton saw them leap-frog opponents Bacup Borough, Ryan Shenton and James Dwyer earning a 2-1 triumph.

And into the First Division South, Wythenshawe Amateurs moved four points clear at the summit as they came from behind to beat Cammell Laird 1907 3-1.

Will Ahern, David Wright and Nialle Rodney bagged the goals for the visitors.

Their closest challengers are now Rylands, who hammered ninth-placed Abbey Hulton United 6-0.

Four goals in the first 8 minutes – including two from Stu Wellstead – set them on their way, and their advantage was added to in the last 10 minutes by Ste Wolhuter and Jay White.

Cheadle Heath Nomads are third after overturning a deficit to beat Stone Dominoes 3-2, and Vauxhall Motors are only behind on goal difference as they saw off Eccleshall 3-1.

Both those victors had three different players on the scoresheet.

There was late drama at FC Oswestry Town, where Liam Parry’s last-minute effort saw them turn over Maine Road 3-2, despite Michael Burke’s double for the visitors.

And last but not least, goals before half-time from Steven Warburton and Chris Smith moved Barnton up to thirteenth as they overcame Ellesmere Rangers 2-0.

 Ian Templeman