The opening stages of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup served up everything you’d expect from the famous competition with late goals, penalty shootout drama and commanding performances.

At Yateley United, the hosts edged out Marlborough Town in a thriller on Sunday, August 24.

Lauren Woods’ brace looked to have sealed the tie, but Marlborough refused to go quietly, forcing a 2–2 draw.

With nerves jangling, Yateley held their composure in the shootout to win 4–2 on penalties, booking their place in the next round.

Elsewhere, Kirby Muxloe Ladies survived a scare against Birstall United Women. A tense encounter finished 1–1, before Kirby Muxloe triumphed 3–2 on penalties.

There was similar drama in the North as Whitehaven AFC Women edged West Allotment Ladies.

Whitehaven AFC took the lead with Aisha Sandwith before 16 year old Hannah Nicholson made it 2-2 in the second half.

Locked at 2–2 after 90 minutes, Whitehaven kept their nerve in the shootout, prevailing 3–2.

Not every tie needed extra time to settle. Carlisle United were clinical in their 2–0 win over GT7 Ladies, with goals from Katie Barbour and Langan putting them comfortably through.

Several sides recorded emphatic victories. Darlington swept aside Heaton Hawks Ladies 4–0, while Higham Town were too strong for Matlock Town, running out 4–1 winners.

Broseley Ladies impressed with a 3–0 triumph over Allscott, and Maghull Ladies defeated local rivals Southport Women 2–0.

Elsewhere, Bradworthy Women secured a narrow 1–0 win against Signal Box Oak Villa Ladies, while there were comfortable passages into the next round for Stocksbridge Park Steels Ladies, Bristol Brunel Ladies, Ramsey & Listley Ladies, Millbrook Ladies and St Agnes AFC.

A handful of sides advanced without kicking a ball, as Sprowston, Witton Albion Ladies, Oughtibridge War Memorial and Gateshead Leam Rangers all progressed via walkovers.

With the Preliminary Round now complete, attention turns to the First Qualifying Round, where the competition will only intensify as more clubs chase their FA Cup dream.

Cumbria will have three teams in the first qualifying round as North West Women’s Regional side Penrith AFC Ladies enter.

Penrith welcome north east side Boro Rangers Women to Frenchfields as Whitehaven AFC host Redcar Town Ladies.

Carlisle United Ladies make the trip to Yorkshire side Northallerton Town Women.