Port Vale survived an Emirates FA Cup banana skin as they comfortably defeated eighth-tier Maldon & Tiptree 5-1 in the first round proper.
The Isthmian League visitors were the lowest ranked side to reach this stage and they made a dream start at Vale Park, Anisius Lewis finding himself all alone in the hosts’ box to volley the Jammers into the lead.
That spurred the Valiants into action and they scored four times in a blistering nine-minute spell. Ruari Paton fired into the bottom corner from 20 yards before George Hall smartly volleyed in Devante Cole’s cross to put the League One side in front.
They quickly built on their advantage, Paton converting his second and Cole blasting into the top corner to make it 4-1 by the break.
Cole completed a brace of his own before the hour mark to put the result beyond doubt and end the visitors’ memorable run.
Walsall and Shrewsbury Town also overcame non-League opposition to book safe passages into the second round proper.
The League Two leading Saddlers went in front at Eastleigh after six minutes through a scrappy Evan Weir goal but the hosts grew into the contest and came inches away from levelling when Lloyd Humphries’ header crashed off the crossbar.
Having survived their let-off, Walsall pulled clear after the break. Weir turned provider for Daniel Kanu to double the lead before the experienced Jamille Matt sealed his side’s 3-0 victory with a calm finish when played through on goal.
South Shields, flying high in National League North, would have fancied their chances against a Shrews side struggling in League Two but three first-half goals got the job done for the visitors, who prevailed 3-1.
Cedwyn Scott spurned a good chance to put the Mariners in front and they were made to pay by Anthony Scully, who opened the scoring with a penalty and added another from John Marquis’ deflected cross.
Tom Sang converted the rebound from Scully’s saved effort to make it three, though a stunning strike by Luke Woolston gave the home fans something to cheer in the second half.
The day’s late game saw Accrington Stanley require extra time to see off the brave resistance of Gainsborough Trinity.
Paddy Madden’s close range finish gave the League Two visitors a first-half lead but the Northern Premier League hosts equalised through Sisa Tuntulwana’s towering header with 14 minutes of normal time remaining.
The hosts were dreaming of a shock – or at least the chance to cause one on penalties – but Charlie Caton swept a first-time shot into the bottom corner five minutes into extra time to send Stanley through.
