Full Breakdown
FA Cup First Round: Upsets and Hat-Tricks Define the Day
11/2/2025, 2:04:27 PM
Major Upsets in the First Round
The first round of the FA Cup saw several notable upsets as National League teams triumphed over their League One and League Two counterparts. Carlisle United staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Reading 3-2 in extra time, with substitute Regan Linney scoring a hat-trick, including two goals in added time to force the extra period. Gateshead also made headlines by knocking out AFC Wimbledon with a 2-0 away victory, thanks to goals from Kain Adom and Fenton John.
Other significant results included Boreham Wood's 3-0 win over Crawley Town and Brackley Town's dramatic penalty shootout victory against Notts County after a 2-2 draw. Hemel Hempstead Town, competing in the National League South, pushed Wigan Athletic, the 2013 FA Cup winners, to penalties after a 1-1 draw but ultimately lost 5-3.
Key Performers
Regan Linney of Carlisle was the standout performer, completing his hat-trick in the 94th minute to secure the win against Reading. In addition, Lyle Taylor's brace helped Chelmsford City to a 4-1 victory over Braintree, while Danny Elliott scored three times as Macclesfield defeated AFC Totton 6-3.
Official Statements & Responses
Mark Hughes, manager of Carlisle United, praised his team's resilience and Linney's performance, stating, "Regan showed great character to come off the bench and change the game." Meanwhile, AFC Wimbledon expressed disappointment, with manager Johnnie Jackson noting, "We didn't perform to our potential, and it cost us."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement, some critics pointed out the inconsistency in performance among higher-tier teams. Notts County's manager, Martin Paterson, expressed frustration after his team's elimination, emphasizing, "We lacked impetus and aggressiveness, and there were so many sloppy moments."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most sources reported on the upsets, discrepancies arose regarding the number of teams advancing to the second round. Some reports indicated that 34 teams had secured their spots, while others suggested that the number could increase with additional matches scheduled.
What's Next
The second round draw for the FA Cup will include the 11 non-league clubs that advanced, with more teams expected to join after the remaining matches conclude. The excitement surrounding the tournament continues as fans anticipate further surprises in the upcoming rounds.
