FA Trophy third qualifying round weekend round-up: Welling United, Folkestone Invicta, Chatham Town, Ashford United, Sittingbourne and Cray Valley PM all progress

Interim manager Rod Stringer helped Welling United move on from a dramatic - and unusual - few days with an FA Trophy third qualifying round victory at Royston Town on Saturday.

Stringer, who managed the Wings from January 2024 until March 2025, returned to the club, ahead of their Trophy fixture.

That came after Welling had axed Lee Martin - and placed Paul Barnes in temporary charge - earlier this week.

But in another statement on Saturday morning, the Isthmian Premier club said: “Following the departure of Lee Martin earlier this week, Paul Barnes took training on Thursday evening as the team prepared for Saturday’s FA Trophy meeting with Royston Town.

“Former Wings boss Stringer will now step in to take charge of the team on an interim basis while the club conduct a thorough process to appoint a long-term successor.”

Femi Akinwande’s strike was added to by a John Ufuah brace in a 3-0 win, which was watched by Stringer and acting assistant Luke O’Neill, on the pitch.

Midfielder Mikey Berry’s goal, alongside strikes by forwards Jake Hutchinson and Joe Pigott, helped ensure Isthmian Premier high-fliers Folkestone were 3-1 winners at Southern League Central side AFC Dunstable.

Dartford’s poor run extended to just one victory in their last nine games in all competitions as they conceded twice after half-time to leave playmaker Olly Box’s 10th-minute goal a mere consolation in a 2-1 loss at Hadley.

Ramsgate went down 4-1 at Leatherhead - despite striker Joe Taylor putting them ahead in the 18th minute.

Isthmian Premier Chatham Town needed penalties to see off Southern League Premier Central side Needham Market.

After a goalless draw, Kevin Hake’s troops secured a 3-2 shootout success at the Bauvill Stadium.

Isthmian South