Eighth-tier Stafford Rangers produced a ruthless performance to reach the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in 20 years, sweeping aside National League strugglers Gateshead 5-0 in their fourth qualifying round replay. Following a 1-1 stalemate on Saturday, the Northern Premier League side capitalized on home advantage at Marston Road against the fifth tier's bottom club, sealing an emphatic victory with goals from Scott Bakkor, Darryl Mason, Mitch Clarke, Joe Dunne, and Jack Birch to set up a home tie against League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
Gateshead caretaker manager Ben Clark offered an apology to travelling supporters following the heavy defeat, acknowledging that his side were "miles off it" on the night. Meanwhile, fellow non-league outfit Alvechurch also enjoyed a memorable evening, with Kyle Storer guiding the seventh-tier club into the first round courtesy of a commanding 4-0 triumph over sixth-tier Spalding United, booking an away trip to League One high-fliers Plymouth Argyle. London-based seventh-tier side Cray Wanderers also progressed, beating Bedford Town 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw to secure a home clash with League One leaders Stockport County, the highest-ranked side in round one.
Elsewhere in Tuesday's fourth qualifying round action, Worcester City of the Southern Premier Central edged out Chorley 1-0 to arrange a trip to League Two Colchester United. Harrogate Town required extra time to dispatch seventh-tier Bury 3-1, while Macclesfield—who memorably upset holders Crystal Palace in the third round last season—earned a visit to League One side Mansfield after recording a 3-0 win away at Anstey Nomads. Ninth-tier Tadley Calleva, the competition's lowest-ranked team, saw their run end against Aldershot, with the Shots now progressing to face third-tier Barnsley.
Stafford Rangers and fellow Northern Premier League club AFC Rushden & Diamonds remain the only two eighth-tier clubs left in this season's tournament, with the latter preparing to visit Burton Albion. Tuesday's replays represented the final stage of the competition where fixtures can be settled via a second match, with all subsequent rounds scheduled to be decided on the day. The FA Cup first-round ties will be contested from 6-9 November.