Sam Higgins hit a hat-trick as East Thurrock United stole the headlines on Saturday with an incredible 7-1 thumping of Conference South side Bath City to march into the First Round of The FA Cup.
It had looked 'business as usual' for firm favourites Bath when Dan Ball edged them in front just after the half-hour mark, but then the men from Essex came storming back to secure a place in the First Round Proper, which will be drawn live on BBC Two at 7pm on Monday.
They were only behind for a minute before Sam Higgins levelled the game and Lewis Smith's effort sent them into the break a goal to the good.
The FA Cup
Fourth Round Qualifying
Round-up
Saturday 25 October 2014
Winners receive £12,500 from prize fund
The Rookery Hill faithful were then treated to five second-half goals as East Thurrock ran riot. Higgins struck twice more to secure the match ball for himself either side of a Ross Parmenter effort; Lewis Smith added another with quarter of an hour left and David Bryant struck to finish off the rout as the game drew to a close.
Football League teams are often pushed out of their comfort zone in the First Round, and a very unusual game could await the likes of previous winners Portsmouth and Preston North End in Kent on Maidstone United's 3G pitch.
The former Football League members squeezed past Welling United 2-1 to book themselves a place in the draw.
An incredible 2,226 crammed into the Gallagher Stadium to see Jack Parker get the hosts off to a perfect start when he converted from a delicious Alex Flisher cross.
Frannie Collin doubled that lead after the break, with Jake Gallagher's goal a mere consolation for the visitors.
Dorchester Town had arguably the most glamorous tie of the round, with big boys Bristol Rovers visiting Dorset, but Graham Kemp's men were humbled 7-1 by The Gas.
Ellis Harrison grabbed a hat-trick for Rovers in front of 1,909 at the Avenue Stadium.
There was disappointment for Willand Rovers, one of the three lowest-ranked sides still left in the competition, as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Gosport Borough. The Hampshire side made history with the win as they have never got past the Fourth Round Qualifying before.
Steve Ramsey, Matthew Paterson and Justin Bennett all found the net as the Western League Premier Division village side were finally tamed after an epic Cup run.
But Shildon of the Northern League Division One will be in the hat for Monday's draw, thanks to a 1-1 draw at Norton United.
Captain Mark Hudson put the minnows ahead before an own goal levelled the game and set up a tasty midweek replay.
Greenwich Borough, also flying the flag for the ninth tier, are set to visit Worcester City tomorrow.
