FA Cup: Cherera stars as Bury upstage Step 4 Congleton Town in extra preliminary round
By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Paul Moran (AFC Liverpool vs Abbey Hey) Bury proved to be the only North West Counties Premier Division club able to pull off a 'cupset' in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round - by dispatching the higher ranked Congle…
Bury proved to be the only North West Counties Premier Division club able to pull off a 'cupset' in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round - by dispatching the higher ranked Congleton Town in their own back yard.
The Shakers ran out 4-2 winners at the reigning Midland League Premier Division champions, with Tanaka Cherera racking up a hat-trick before Reuben Jerome sealed it on 74 minutes. Max McCarthy and Darren Chadwick were on target for the hosts as they looked to make a comeback, but it's Dave McNabb's side who progressed.
The Gigg Lane side have matched their run in last season's competition by making the preliminary round - and will hope to go one at least one round further having been knocked out by Charnock Richard last time out.
There were good results for Barnoldswick Town and Pilkington - who both held Step 4 opposition to goalless draws in the shape of Brighouse Town and reigning NWCFL Premier champions Wythenshawe respectively.
Replays are still a thing in the early rounds, so the clubs will try again in midweek.
Charnock Richard were the division's final survivor last season - and are on their way once again with a 2-1 win over Penistone Church thanks to Brad Carsley's second half winner. The Yorkshire side had taken the lead through Nathan Keightley early on, but Nathan Nickeas' penalty sent the sides in level at the break.
Ryan Donnellan's side made it to the first round of qualifying last time out and will be looking to at least equal this achievement here.
Glossop North End kickstarted their season after successive league defeats, beating Litherland REMYCA 3-1 on the road. Tom Lawless scored twice, once from the penalty spot either side of Leke Ajibode's effort just after the hour - with Elliot Toner netting a late consolation for the hosts.
West Didsbury & Chorlton are through after winning by the odd goal in five, with Paul Marshall's side seeing off Burscough 3-2 at the Step Places Stadium. Sub Lewis Billingsley was the hero for West, netting an injury time winner after Burscough had fought back from 2-0 down to draw level with ten minutes to play.
Victor Abadaki and Billy Matthews had given West a seemingly commanding half time lead, before John McGrath and Delial Brewster pulled the game level after the break. West have now equalled their performance in last year's competition and are one win away from matching their best run ever, set one season earlier.
Longridge Town are also through after seeing off Cheadle Town 2-0 thanks to goals from Matthew Van Wyk and Ryan McLean. It's the first time they have progressed past this stage since the 2020-21 season, where they made it all the way to the third qualifying round.
On Friday night, AFC Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 home victory over Abbey Hey in an-all North West Counties clash. Caleb Jones opened the scoring for the hosts, but Rhys Clooney pulled the Gorton side back into it midway through the first half.
Brad Shearwood's header on 56 minutes proved to be the decisive goal as his side progressed to the preliminary round for the first time in three seasons. It's been a tough start for new Abbey manager Simon Heaton, with three defeats in as many matches.
Elsewhere, South Liverpool will face a replay after a 2-2 draw at Handsworth, and the Jericho Lane side have Elliot Owen to thank for keeping them in the competition - scoring both goals here, one of which was a penalty seven minutes into added time.
Meanwhile Padiham will make the return trip to Golcar United after their game finished 1-1. Dan Morton was on target for The Storks.
Our man of the match today..an outstanding display from Jack Mitchell. Well done Jack. pic.twitter.com/5if0Afj93n
For everyone else, the journey ends at the first hurdle. Chadderton had a day to forget and were thumped 7-1 at play-off winners Wythenshawe Town - with Tyler Berry's headed goal the highlight for the Oldham side.
Colne were on the wrong end of a 4-0 loss at home to Mossley, while Irlam returned home empty handed from Whitchurch Alport having gone down 3-0. Two late goals put pay to Ramsbottom United's hopes, who were knocked out by Stalybridge Celtic 3-1 despite Tom Hoyle pulling them level just after the break.
Nine-man Prestwich Heys are another side yet to win this season and were eliminated 2-1 by Stocksbridge Park Steels, with both Fenton and Sonny Reeves sent off. Heys managed to pull a goal back despite the two man disadvantage through Nathan Bartram-Conway, but a home goal one minute from time decided it.
Stockport Town went out to the same scoreline at home to 1874 Northwich, with Daniel Lewis' second half goal coming after the Cheshire side went 2-0 up before the break. Squires Gate are also out, despite Regan Crossley's brace in a 3-2 defeat at Northwich Victoria.
Winners in this round pick up £1,125 in prize money while the losing teams collect £375. There's more FA Cup action on Sunday as Lower Breck travel to Hallam, and FC St Helens also travel to Yorkshire to face Emley.
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