# Non-league football FA Cup qualification

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/non-league-football-fa-cup-qualification
> Updated: 2026-10-21T01:08:32.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Several non-league football clubs have secured positions in the FA Cup first round proper through the qualifying stages.

Dover Athletic advanced to the first round for the first time in seven years after a 3-2 victory over Dorking Wanderers. Other notable results included a 2-1 win for Kidderminster Harriers and a 0-0 draw for Gloucester City.

Stafford Rangers, an eighth-tier side, progressed to the first round following a 5-0 replay victory against Gateshead, marking their first appearance at this stage in 20 years. They are scheduled to face League Two side Grimsby Town. Additionally, seventh-tier Alvechurch secured a place in the first round after a 4-0 win against Spalding, earning a match against League One leaders Plymouth Argyle. These first-round ties are expected to occur between 6 and 9 November.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Stafford Rangers and Alvechurch secure FA Cup first-round ties

Non-league clubs Stafford Rangers and Alvechurch have advanced to the FA Cup first round, earning ties against Grimsby Town and Plymouth Argyle respectively.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stafford-rangers-and-alvechurch-secure-fa-cup-first-round-ties

### 2026-10-17: Dover Athletic advances to FA Cup first round

Dover Athletic advanced to the FA Cup first round for the first time in seven years after defeating Dorking Wanderers 3-2.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dover-athletic-advances-to-fa-cup-first-round

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Cite as: Non-league football FA Cup qualification. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/non-league-football-fa-cup-qualification