Stafford Rangers reach FA Cup first round for first time in 20 years with 5-0 Gateshead rout

First-round spot ends 20-year wait

Eighth-tier Stafford Rangers reached the FA Cup first round for the first time in 20 years after a 5-0 demolition of National League strugglers Gateshead in Tuesday's fourth qualifying round replay at Marston Road.

The Heed, who are bottom of the fifth tier, had been held to a 1-1 draw in Saturday's initial tie. They were humbled in the replay by goals from Scott Bakkor, Darryl Mason, Mitch Clarke, Joe Dunne and Jack Birch.

"We were miles off it," caretaker Gateshead boss Ben Clark admitted, apologising to his club's fans after the heavy defeat.

Stafford, guided by Kyle Storer, will now host League Two side Grimsby Town in the first round. They are one of two eighth-tier sides remaining in the competition, along with fellow Northern Premier League club AFC Rushden & Diamonds, who will visit Burton Albion in round one.

The win at Marston Road came in the final round of the competition where ties can go to replays, with all further rounds decided on the day. All first-round ties will be played on 6-9 November.