Rushden and Berkhamsted make FA Cup history with qualifying upsets

AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Berkhamsted secured places in the FA Cup first round for the first time with 2-1 qualifying victories over Morecambe and Southend United respectively. BBC Sport reported that both clubs were among four first-time qualifiers ahead of Monday's draw, while ninth-tier Tadley Calleva kept their own hopes alive by earning a replay against Aldershot Town.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZDf4XnvXP8

Rushden's win came against a Morecambe side playing two divisions above them in National League North. The eighth-tier club, which competes in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands, has won five matches to reach the first round proper. It is a new milestone for a club founded in 2011 following the demise of Rushden & Diamonds.

Manager Elliot Sandy expressed his delight in an interview with BBC Radio Northamptonshire after the final whistle. He credited the supporters, volunteers, players and management staff as he reflected on the achievement. The victory gives the current club its first opportunity to await a first-round opponent when the draw takes place on Monday.

Berkhamsted also advanced by beating higher-level opposition, overturning a deficit to defeat Southend at Roots Hall. The seventh-tier Hertfordshire side won 2-1 away from home to book its own first appearance at this stage. BBC Sport reported that the club regarded the result as the biggest day in its history.

Tadley Calleva have not yet joined those confirmed qualifiers. The Hampshire club twice recovered from falling behind to draw 2-2 with National League side Aldershot, supported by 883 travelling fans. That result means the ninth-tier team will appear in Monday's draw, but their place in the first round remains dependent on the outcome of Tuesday's home replay.

Elsewhere in qualifying, Marine won 2-0 at Hartlepool United, while Oxford City recorded a 1-0 away victory over Torquay United. Harborough Town beat Spennymoor Town 3-1, and Wimborne Town edged Chelmsford City 1-0. Those winners secured progression without needing a second match.

Several other ties remain unresolved. Bury and Harrogate Town drew 1-1, Leatherhead and Yeovil Town finished level at 3-3, and Macclesfield drew 1-1 with Anstey Nomads. The combination of confirmed qualifiers and replay contenders leaves some first-round places still to be settled after Monday's draw.