Kidderminster Shock Doncaster as Exeter Stuns Huddersfield in FA Cup Upsets

Kidderminster Harriers made waves in the FA Cup, cruising to a remarkable 3-0 victory over League One side Doncaster at Aggborough. The Harriers struck first after 22 minutes, with Maz Kouhyar setting up Lewis Walker, who found the net on his second attempt after rattling the post. Walker was a constant threat, narrowly missing with a couple of shots before turning provider in the 36th minute. He sprinted forward and assisted Kouhyar, who coolly slotted it home. Doncaster’s Alfie May thought he had a penalty when he went down in the box, but the referee waved away his appeals. Just two minutes later, things went from bad to worse for the visitors. Kouhyar’s shot was parried by keeper Josh Clarke, and David Davis was quick to pounce on the rebound, doubling the lead. Kidderminster’s manager, Paul Wotton, praised his team for their performance, saying, “We started well, scored the goal and got the crowd up. It was just a really good day.” He emphasized the significance of the victory for the club and its fans. In another thrilling encounter, League Two's Exeter City shocked League One leaders Huddersfield with a 2-1 victory away from home. Exeter took an early lead in the 12th minute, thanks to a fantastic cross from Luca Woodhouse, which Jack Taylor finished off at the far post. Huddersfield responded strongly after the break, equalizing quickly through Ibane Bowat, who headed in from a corner. However, Exeter wasn’t finished. Charlie Cummins scored the winner just nine minutes before full-time, capping off a well-executed move that showcased their attacking prowess. Meanwhile, Blackpool had to fight hard to overcome Hornchurch, relying on a last-minute goal from substitute Josh Bowler to secure a comeback win at 2-1. The first half saw Blackpool struggle, allowing Hornchurch to take the lead through Henry Hearn after a well-placed cross from Angelo Balanta. But Bowler changed the game upon his arrival in the second half. He assisted Jordan Brown for the equalizer and continued to pressure the Hornchurch defense. Bowler's late strike sealed the deal, sending Blackpool through to the next round. Chesterfield also had a nail-biter, edging Yeovil Town 4-3 after holding off a spirited comeback from the visitors. Meanwhile, Dover advanced with a 2-0 win over Wealdstone, thanks to a brace from Jack Bates. Late goals from Rhys Oates and Jordan Bowery ensured Mansfield overcame Macclesfield, while Plymouth cruised past Alvechurch with a dominant 4-0 performance, featuring a brace from Will Evans. Barnsley secured an impressive 7-2 win over Aldershot, with Cameron McGeehan netting a hat-trick. Leyton Orient comfortably dispatched Harborough 5-1, while Crewe managed a 2-1 victory over Wimbledon. Bradford put on a show with a 7-0 thrashing of Marine, and Cheltenham edged a thrilling 4-3 match against Yeovil. Last year’s quarter-finalists Port Vale moved through with a 4-2 win over Scunthorpe, while MK Dons avoided an upset with a narrow 2-1 victory over Swindon. Worcester’s FA Cup dreams ended in a 1-0 defeat to Colchester, while a late penalty from Jordan Thewlis gave Guiseley a dramatic 1-0 win over Sutton. Carlisle managed to beat League Two leaders Salford 1-0, with David Ajiboye’s goal proving decisive. Eighth-tier AFC Rushden + Diamonds faced a tough outing, falling 4-0 to Burton, as Will Collar and Borges Rodrigues found the net.