It has already been a dream Emirates FA Cup season for Westfields, but Richard Greaves’ late winner has taken it to the next level – reaching the first round for the first time in their history.
Being team of the round in their previous fixture allowed Westfields to proudly show off the FA Cup trophy as Greaves slotted home with just moments to go, sealing a 2-1 victory over Leiston.
Phil Glover had earlier given the hosts the lead, but the Leiston pressure told with an equaliser through substitute Tom Winter.
And, just as it seemed as if a replay was needed, Greaves stepped up in the closing stages to send a side who had never previously made it beyond the second round qualifying stage into Monday’s draw, with teams as high as League One their next potential opponents.
The Emirates FA Cup
Fourth Round Qualifying
Saturday 15th October 2016
Winners go into Monday's first-round draw
Joining Westfields in the hat are Merstham, unleashing a shock of their own on Ebbsfleet United with a 2-1 victory in their fourth round qualifying clash at Moatside.
That was despite the National League South side taking the lead through Darren McQueen, with Tom Kavanagh and Charlie Penny completing the turnaround – sending Merstham to the first round for the first time.
Barrow AFC have enjoyed a flourishing National League season so far, maintaining their form with a 2-1 victory over league rivals Tranmere Rovers keeping their Emirates FA Cup dreams alive.
Richie Bennett and a Moussa Diarra own goal kept things even at the break, but it was left to Paul Turnbull to become the hero, firing home a pullback to clinch the win.
On an afternoon full of FA Cup history, Spennymoor Town also secured their maiden First Round appearance with a confident 3-0 success over Lincoln United.
And Braintree Town are also gearing up for a potential glamour tie, prevailing over Bromley 4-2 – despite being 2-0 down to the Ravens.
Burgess Hill Town’s FA Cup adventure is over with a 5-0 defeat to Dover Athletic, while Kidderminster Harriers also flourished in front of goal with a 6-0 win over Weymouth.
Ryan Bird’s four goals paved the way for a 6-0 Eastleigh success over North Leigh, with Dagenham and Redbridge qualifying thanks to a 3-1 win over Wealdstone.
York City will need a replay to reach the first round after being held to a 1-1 draw by Curzon Ashton, the same feat as Alfreton Town and Gateshead after Sam Jones’ late double helped the Head recover from 2-0 to get another go on Tuesday night.
Finally, who needs Xabi Alonso when you have Jake Hibbs in your side? The FC Halifax Town man made the most of a miscued kick from the Harrogate Town goalkeeper to find the back of the net from his very own half, sealing a 2-0 victory for his side in the last minute.
