THE FA Cup is not what it once was, some people say. But try staring into the eyes of a Warrington Town or Worcester City fan and saying that.

You might have some trouble. Ninth-tier Warrington provided scintillating drama in their 1-0 win over Exeter City in the first round recently, despite sitting 100 places below them in the league.

By the last 20 minutes most Warrington players were struggling with cramp, barely able to walk.

But determination and some luck stopping Exeter playmaker Matt Grimes allowed them to claim an outstanding victory that will be talked about for some time.

Meanwhile Conference North Worcester beat League One Coventry City 2-1 courtesy of a brace from ex-Manchester United youth player Sean Geddes.

This came after Coventry keeper Burge was sent off for violent conduct, while Reda Johnson pulled a goal back late on after missing an earlier penalty.

The visitors attacked well and looked the better side throughout, with their substitute keeper making some great saves towards the end.

The £18,000 first-round prize money and the £27,000 on offer for another victory is invaluable for clubs at this level. Such a financial boost could let a side sign several players and turn their season around, or provide new community facilities.

Morecambe’s long trip to Dover always looked like it would be a difficult test, and proved to be one with the southerners triumphing 1-0.

Even more impressively Chester claimed a 2-1 win at Southend thanks to a goal from Craig Mahon — one day after he became a father to twins.

Aldershot Town and Maidstone United both completed famous scalps over league sides in home replays, defeating Portsmouth and Stevenage. Both wins came through late goals, with the Shots doing it courtesy of Mark Molesley, while for the Stones Frannie Collin’s late header completed a brace and a classic cup upset.

Conference side Southport deservedly defeated lowly league side Dagenham and Redbridge through two second-half goals, and a superb strike by Jordan Chiedozie’s gave Concord Rangers a home replay against League Two Mansfield.

These results go to show that the gap between non-league and the Football League is nowhere near as wide as perceived — something also demonstrated by Cambridge United.

The Us are new to League Two this season but upset high-flying League One opponents Fleetwood Town 1-0. Crystal Palace loanee Kwesi Appiah claimed a smart winner after Fleetwood striker Jamie Proctor was sent off for raising his arms in a goal-mouth melee.

Various other non-league clubs secured their passage through all-non-league ties, as when Telford beat Basingstoke Town 2-1 and Dartford claimed a dramatic 4-3 victory at Kent neighbours Bromley — Tom Bradbrook scored the winner, while his brother Elliott netted earlier.

Eastleigh have reached this stage for the first time, as a late Ben Strevens goal allowing them to dispatch ex-league club Lincoln 2-1.

Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans, a team with a rich FA Cup tradition, confidently dispatched Altrincham 4-1 at home in a clinical performance, impressive considering the visitors are a Conference side.

Hemel Hempstead Town deserve credit for leading early at Bury, 61 places higher in the league at the time, and were minutes from a replay until two late goals crushed their hopes.

Byron Harrison deserves plaudits for his hat-trick, which helped League Two Cheltenham win 5-0 against a 10-man Swindon side, who are well-placed in League One.

These results all provide further evidence for the strength of non-league football, and that the gap between Leagues One or Two is far smaller than many imagine it to be.

However, the FA Cup first round will rightly be remembered for the heroics of Warrington Town and Worcester City.

Next up are the small tasks of reaching the third round and Premier League opposition — they have certainly earned a chance to try.