FA CUP 2nd QUALIFYING ROUND RESULTS
• Sutton Common Rovers2Jersey Bulls2
• Abbey Rangers0Marlow2
• AFC Fylde1Spennymoor Town1
• AFC Sudbury0Stowmarket Town0
• AFC Telford United1Stamford2
• Ashford Town (Middx)2Folkestone Invicta7
• Atherton Collieries3Witton Albion1
• Aylesbury United5Bishop's Cleeve1
• Barking1AFC Dunstable3
• Basingstoke Town3Wimborne Town4
• Beaconsfield Town FC3Havant & Waterlooville5
• Bedford Town1Welwyn Garden City3
• Bedworth United1Long Eaton United3
• Belper Town0Tamworth5
• Bishop's Stortford0Bowers & Pitsea2
• Blyth Spartans1FC United of Manchester1
• Boston United6Corby Town0
• Brackley Town4Coalville Town2
• Braintree Town1Billericay Town2
• Broadfields United2Hastings United3
• Bromsgrove Sporting6Worksop Town0
• Burgess Hill Town0Dorking Wanderers4
• Buxton4Rushall Olympic0
• Carshalton Athletic1Ebbsfleet United2
• Chelmsford City5Little Oakley1
• Chertsey Town1Chesham United0
• Chichester City1Maidstone United3
• Chorley2Southport2
• Cirencester Town3Hamworthy United1
• City of Liverpool3Farsley Celtic0
• Cleethorpes Town1Alfreton Town0
• Colne0Guiseley1
• Concord Rangers0St Albans City0
• Curzon Ashton4Stockton Town0
• Darlington0Chester0
• Dartford5Hythe Town1
• Dulwich Hamlet0Bedfont Sports1
• East Thurrock United2Needham Market2
• Enfield Town1Hadley1
• Frome Town2Oxford City1
• Gateshead6Bradford (Park Avenue)2
• Great Wakering Rovers3Peterborough Sports5
• Halesowen Town1Handsworth3
• Hanley Town2Chasetown1
• Hanwell Town0Eastbourne Borough2
• Hayes & Yeading5Tonbridge Angels0
• Hitchin Town0Cheshunt3
• Hornchurch4Walthamstow1
• Hungerford Town1Truro City0
• Kings Langley1Leiston1
• Kingstonian1Horsham1
• Leamington3Stone Old Alleynians1
• Leatherhead0Corinthian-Casuals0
• Lymington Town2Hereford2
• Marine3Warrington Town0
• Marske United3South Shields0
• Merstham4Margate1
• Metropolitan Police1Farnborough1
• Mickleover1Basford United3
• Morpeth Town4Lancaster City1
• Mossley1Radcliffe2
• Nantwich Town1Banbury United2
• Norwich United3Mildenhall Town2
• Phoenix Sports1Redhill3
• Poole Town1Chippenham Town1
• Prescot Cables0Whitby Town3
• Runcorn Linnets3Bamber Bridge1
• Shaftesbury Town0Bath City1
• Slough Town1Whitehawk3
• Spalding United1Kettering Town1
• Sporting Khalsa1Kidderminster Harriers3
• Squires Gate2Pontefract Collieries3
• Stratford Town4Nuneaton Borough0
• Tiverton Town1Sholing3
• Walton Casuals0Hampton & Richmond3
• Ware2Hemel Hempstead Town2
• Welling United0Harrow Borough2
• Weston-super-Mare5Taunton Town1
• Wingate & Finchley3Baldock Town0
• Yate Town2Gosport Borough0
• York City3Hebburn Town0EMIRATES F.A. CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND
BUXTON (3) 4 RUSHALL OLYMPIC (0) 0 ATTENDANCE 405
Buxton convincingly dispatched former NPL rivals, Rushall, in the September sunshine with attacking midfielder, Tommy Elliott, the undoubted star of the show with 2 goals and 2 'assists' in an outstanding individual display. His team-mates provided splendid support in an impressive performance that laid the bogey of a visiting club, which had won 6 of its 8 previous Silverlands encounters. 'The Pics' did make several openings, but a combination of effective defending and forward failings helped to keep a 'clean sheet' for 'the Bucks'.
Home dominance began only 2 minutes in as 'the Bucks', attacking the Ashwood End, immediately created a high tempo. Elliott's sumptuous, back-heeled pass opened a route for Jamie Ward, who ran on to shoot low into the left net corner from 18 yards. Brimming with confidence, Elliott then blasted a 25-yard power-drive at the 'keeper before delivering an accurate pull-back from the by-line but de Girolamo inexplicably fired over the bar from 5 yards-all within the opening 5 minutes! Rushall responded with some possession but found themselves 0-2 down in the 14th minute as Theo Richardson's long free-kick was allowed to bounce, freeing the irrepressible Elliott to round 'keeper Palmer and net easily.
In the 2nd quarter of the tie, 'the Pics' had chances to halve the deficit. In Owen Parry they have a player with a prodigiously long throw but sound defending and goalkeeping prevented any of his 8 first-half missiles from creating a goal, while the excellent Ben Middleton recovered to rob Cobourne when a misplaced pass gave him a 1-on-1 opportunity. Meanwhile Buxton continued to threaten, Palmer being forced to save with his feet a shot by substitute Chris Dawson, whose pass in added time allowed Elliott to give his side a 3-0 interval lead as the visiting defence created its own problem with defective passing under pressure.
'The Bucks' re-started with a trio of attacks, the last of which produced a de Girolamo shot, saved at the expense of a corner, but generally in the 3rd quarter they were 'off the boil' and 'the Pics', sharing possession, created openings. Richardson did very well at his near post after Parry turned and shot low, and Middleton again distinguished himself in defending against Cobourne.
De Girolamo was replaced by Ash Chambers, who immediately scored his side's 4th goal and his 7th of the campaign (making him the leading scorer).A low Elliott pull-back set up the striker for a delightfully-placed effort just inside a post.
To their credit the visitors continued to seek some consolation, but a bizarre 79th-minute incident must have convinced them that it was simply not their day! Parry's curling shot was heading for goal when team-mate Whittall applied an unnecessary strike to divert the ball high over the bar and also prompt the assistant to raise an offside flag! Richardson then emphasised the point with a spectacular flying save to preserve a Buxton 'clean sheet'.
The dream of reaching the F.A. Cup's 1st round proper for the first time in nearly 60 years lives on!
Team: Richardson, Curley, Fox, Meikle, Granite, Middleton, Ward (Dawson), Milnes, De Girolamo (Chambers), Elliott, Clarke (Hinds). Unused Subs: Dillingham, Catt, Sherwood and H Richardson.
BEDWORTH UNITED 1-3 LONG EATON UNITED
BY BRADLEY WHITE
Long Eaton United are through to the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup after a dramatic win at The Oval.
It is the first time the Blues have reached this stage of the famous competition since 1976 and equals the club's record run for the fifth time.
Jamie Walker scored the opener with a fantastic free kick and Kam Campbell doubled the Blues' lead in the buildup to the break. Long Eaton Were reduced to ten men in the 73rd minute as Alex Marshall received a harsh second yellow card and moments later Connor Deards found the back of the net to reduce the lead. However, with the last kick of the game, Jamie Walker bagged his brace to wrap up the match.
Ian Deakin made two changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Loughborough University midweek. Kam Campbell returned from injury and replaced James Shaw in the front three and Marley Fearon made his first competitive start as he replaced Mitchell Robinson.
The hosts took the direct approach in the opening minutes and Bedworth’s number nine Mitchell Piggon was the target. A free kick from Reece Blackmore clipped the bar and fell to Piggon at the back post who took aim and hit a half-volley, which Keiran Walker blocked with a thumping header.
Minutes later Piggon found the back of the net with a close-range volley, but it was chalked off by the referee who spotted a push in the back on Brad Wilson in the build-up.
Piggon had yet another chance when Ishmael Dawson blocked Brad Wilson’s clearance - The Greenback’s centre forward brought the ball down and tried his luck from the edge of the area, but Sam Wilson was equal to the strike.
Calls for offside from the Long Eaton defence fell on deaf ears as Essa Sawyers raced through on goal, although it did not matter as the forward’s lobbed effort flew over the bar.
Long Eaton United’s first real chance arrived in the form of a set piece. From similar range to his free kick against Loughborough on Tuesday, Jamie Walker picked out the top right corner with a lovely effort to fire the Blues in front after 29 minutes played.
Bedworth immediately looked for a reply, Piggon found himself some space in the box, but Romaine Graham was quick to close the striker down and Danny Gordon tracked back to block the eventual shot.
Back in the starting eleven after a midweek absence, Campbell doubled the advantage in the 34th minute. Alex Marshall volleyed the ball downwards and Campbell got on the end of the wayward effort and volleyed home from point-blank range – a true poacher’s goal as half time approached.
Five minutes after the restart Campbell should have had his brace. Jamie Walker ran to the byline and cut the ball back across to Campbell who struck the bar with a shot from six yards out.
Minutes later Romaine Graham won back possession on the halfway line and outpaced two Bedworth defenders as he dribbled the length of the half towards goal. Unfortunately, Graham’s final touch let him down and his attempted pass towards Tom Marshall was intercepted and cleared.
Back in the Blues’ half, Bedworth substitute Luke Rowe took a shot on from range which Fearon dived in to block, Rowe hit the rebound on the volley but Sam Wilson stopped the attempt with a diving save.
Long Eaton were reduced to ten men when Alex Marshall received a harsh second yellow for a 50/50 challenge by the touchline. This sparked life into Bedworth and Deards found the back of the net to hand the hosts a lifeline.
Substitute Bartosz Korzeniewski almost made an instant impact, his shot from 18-yards out took a deflection and almost caught out Sam Lomax who just about clawed the shot off the line.
Bedworth hammered the Blues’ 18-yard box with crosses, but Sam Wilson commanded his area well to defend the lead.
With less than a minute on the clock, Jamie Walker put the match beyond doubt with his fourth goal in two matches. Sam Wilson’s kick beat the Bedworth backline and Jamie slotted the ball past Lomax to wrap the match up and secure Long Eaton United’s place in the Third Qualifying Round.
REPORT: MICKLEOVER (FAC2QR)
BY MARC WILLIAMS
In the hat with a win in Derbyshire...
Basford United progressed to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with a professional 3-1 win over Mickleover on Saturday.
Ben Lewin gave the hosts a 7th minute lead before Rev James equalised ten minutes before the break.
Kane Richards then put Steve Chettle’s side in front late on before James sealed the victory in the dying seconds as they reach this stage for the first time since 2017.
Boss Chettle made only one change to the side that beat Gainsborough Trinity on Tuesday; James replacing the unfortunate Alex Howes who dropped to the bench.
United made the short journey across county lines unbeaten in seven and on the back of four consecutive wins and were buoyed by their previous round win over Stourbridge earlier this month.
However, it was Mickleover who started the brighter, and they took the lead early on.
Some scrappy play in midfield was pounced on down the right and a low cross managed to find its way through for the onrushing Lewin to neatly pass home the opener.
Andy Dales then had a decent chance to extend the advantage only seven minutes later, but he could only blaze well over the crossbar after good play by Stuart Beavon, whilst Aaron O’Connor, at the other end, failed to trouble Callum Hawkins with a tame strike.
And ‘Over should have added a second with 25 minutes played when Thornhill’s sloppy back-pass to Collin fell short, Beavon pounced but his shot lacked any thrust and Collin parried away.
Basford reacted well to the slow start, and the enforced drinks break at a sun-kissed Don Amott Arena; Thornhill flicking over a low Ryan Wilson free-kick, before he volleyed well over moments later after good link-up play with O’Connor.
Brad Gascoigne then nodded another Wilson set piece back into a dangerous area, though a mass scramble saw a bandaged James Butler hack desperately clear.
With pressure mounting and chances telling, the visitors could smell an equaliser and after Gascoigne’s astute pass over the top sent James through, the striker – benefiting from a kind ricochet – rounded Hawkins and drew his side deservedly level.
Former Wycombe Wanderers striker Beavon had another chance, though his curling hit was smartly deflected wide for a corner by Wilson just after the break and Butler had to be on hand again to clear Owen Betts’ dangerous cross moments later.
Away dominance resumed with United well on top and they had three efforts within a matter of minutes that saw Terry Hawkridge, Thornhill and O’Connor have chances, all thwarted by a combination of Butler and Hawkins.
Collin then did well to tip Lee Holmes’ rasping strike onto the woodwork in a rare venture forward for the hosts and their unsettled home support, before Thornhill curled a delightful effort marginally over after controlling well when Wilson’s corner was half-cleared.
However, a second was not long in coming. Some earlier patience from Declan Dunn and Hawkridge allowed James to turn and his neat pass – splitting three – found Richards who forced his shot under Hawkins for the go-ahead goal.
Not resting on their laurels, Basford pushed for a third and their passage into the next round was confirmed when Richards broke, played in James and he did the rest; bolting past Butler to slot past Burton Albion loanee Hawkins into the far corner.
MATCH ATTENDANCE: 299
NAILERS EXIT FA CUP AS TAMWORTH RUN RIOT
BY DAVID LAUGHLIN
Belper exited the Emirates FA Cup at the Second Qualifying Round despite a positive start at the Raygar Stadium
Belper made the early running and after 3 minutes a Josh Woodcock cross was headed just over the bar by Jonathon Margetts.
In the 11th minute Brodie Litchfield collected the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a shot that went just wide of Jas Singh’s goal.
Belper continued to seek the opening goal and 3 minutes later Corey Gregory’s back heel found Margetts but his left foot shot couldn’t find the target.
The game turned in a 10 minute period starting when Belper were awarded a penalty after 16 minutes following a trip inside the box. However Margetts’ spot kick was saved by the shin of Singh and the game remained goalless.
The home side went close again on 21 minutes when Craig Nelthorpe’s free kick was headed just over the bar by Riece Bertram.
On 24 minutes Tamworth created their first good chance as the impressive Mikey Taylor brought down a cross before swivelling and slotting home past Ollie Battersby. In truth this was at the time against the run of play, but it turned out to be the opening of the floodgates.
In the 37th minute a foul on Taylor resulted in referee Alan Cox pointing to the spot for the second time. This time it was for the Lambs and Dexter Walters stepped up to double their lead.
The sides went into the half time break with Tamworth leading 2-0.
Nathan Curtis replaced Tom Wilson who appeared to have taken a knock and manager Grant Black would have hoped this to spark some more attacking flair from the Nailers.
7 minutes in to the second half, Tamworth came close to killing the game off when Jordan Clement cut back and found Taylor but his shot was just wide.
On 55 minutes Walters scored his second and Tamworth’s third when he cut in from the left hand side and shot from 18 yards, Battersby got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out and Belper’s defeat was effectively sealed.
A double substitution on 59 minutes was the manager’s last attempt to pull off a miracle comeback as Alex Peterson and Andre Johnson replaced Margetts and Gregory.
A minute later Taylor, the man of the match completed his brace when he picked up a long ball forward before rounding Todd Jordan and scoring past Battersby to make it 4-0.
At this point the crowd had become flat however the Nailers still pushed and on 77 minutes, Litchfield’s free kick was headed across goal, with Jordan stretching but unable to connect.
The fifth and final goal came 9 minutes from time. Belper had a corner from which Peterson’s header was saved.
The goal kick caught Belper out at the back and found Michael Tait completely alone with just Battersby to beat. Another calm finish followed and at 5-0 the last few minutes were played out without incident in front of an excellent crowd of 820.
Belper Town: Battersby, Woodcock, Kozluk, Bertram, South, Wilson (Curtis 45), Litchfield, Gregory (Johnson 59), Margetts (Peterson 59), Jordan, Nelthorpe. Unused subs: Reeves, Hawkes, M. Wright.
Tamworth: Singh, Yeomans (Tait 76), Wilder, Fords, Pendley, Howkins, Waite, Thomas, Taylor (Olusemo 63), Clement, Walters (Concannon 59) Unused subs: Brogan, Riley, Fallows.
Referee: Alan Cox
Attendance: 820
CLEETHORPES TOWN 1 ALFRETON TOWN 0
BY DAVID SIMPSON
OWLS MARCH ON IN FA CUP!
A fantastic team performance saw the Owls fly past National North outfit Alfreton Town 1-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon. Brody Robertson scored the only goal to register a thoroughly deserved upset.
For the first time this campaign, Dave Smith named an unchanged starting XI. With injuries beginning to clear, the bench had a strong feel to it as well.
The side lined-up as follows in a 3-5-2 formation:
Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Jordon Cooke, Paul Walker, Oli Donald
Midfield: Tim Lowe, Sam Topliss, Alex Flett ©, Josh Venney, Loz McKay
Attack: Brody Robertson, Josh Batty
Subs: Lennon Stead, Liam Dickens, Jon Oglesby, Harry Middleton, Matt Bloomer, Andy Pettinger (gk)
Despite their recent good form, Clee entered the tie as underdogs. However, there was definitely optimism in the air at the Myenergi Stadium by kick-off time.
It was clear from the off that the visitors would be adopting a direct approach. No real surprise with Rhead leading the line. Nevertheless, the back 3 of Walker, Cooke and Donald all provided outstanding displays to ward off the threat.
Alfreton’s play was too predictable in fairness – Lund’s long throw being their main attacking outlet. Keeper Jackson was a commanding presence between the sticks however, claiming high balls and patrolling his area with authority.
Clee gradually grew into the contest and then took command, matching their opponents for physicality and playing the much more attractive football.
A couple of flowing moves almost created a clear opening, with just the final pass going astray. Batty, who was his normal all-action self, went closest to breaking the deadlock when firing into the side-netting from an acute angle.
HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Alfreton Town 0
It seemed likely that the opening goal was going to be crucial, and it fell the way of the Owls on 50 minutes.
A fast-paced counter opened up the Reds and when the opportunity fell to Brody Robertson, the striker gleefully smashed it into the net (picture credit: “jumping for joy!” by Hayden Newbegin).
Just the boost needed and Clee continued to bridge the 40-place gap in the non-league pyramid with confidence. Every player, without exception, was putting in a real shift and Alfreton had no answers.
Scorer Robertson should have wrapped matters up after good work from sub Oglesby, firing high over the bar at the Church End. Any thoughts that the miss would come back to haunt the Owls largely disappeared with a shade less than 10 minutes left on the referee’s watch.
Tom Allan went flying recklessly into a tackle, as the visitors’ frustration reached a crescendo. All eyes turned to the official, who brandished a straight red card. Despite complaints, it looked to be the correct decision.
Alfreton tried to galvanise themselves into a final effort but Clee, backed by their tremendous fans, showed great composure to complete an inspiring win. The run to the 3rd Round Qualifying equals the club’s best run in the famous old competition.
FT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Robertson 50) Alfreton Town 0 Attendance: 297
Days like this really is what non-league football is all about, isn’t it? To outplay a National North team takes some doing – congratulations and well played to the management & players! Whoever we get in the next round, there will be nothing to fear.
Let’s all take time to dream about more FA Cup glory…
Slough Town bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup in Second Round Qualifying after a 3-1 home defeat to Whitehawk, writes Sam Pryke.
On a hot day at Arbour Park, the Rebels got off to the perfect start and within 6 minutes took the lead. A long throw from the left-hand side was headed in by an unmarked Freddie Grant.
Town began to dictate proceedings, with several crosses from both flanks testing the defence of the visitors, without any clear-cut chances.
On 14 minutes, Slough ought to have done better after a wicked ball from the right was delivered into the box, which was headed wide by Ben Harris.
Town were made to pay for squandering that opportunity swiftly after with an equaliser soon following.
On 16 minutes, the visitors’ captain Henry Muggeridge latched onto a long ball down the middle, expertly slotting the ball under the onrushing Jonathan North.
Whitehawk were buoyed by the leveller, earning corners in quick succession but the Slough defence stood firm.
With the half drifting towards a stalemate at the break, the visitors managed to gain the upper hand right before the half time whistle.
A corner was whipped in from the right-hand side with Javaun Splatt towering above the Slough defence to nod home.
The second half began as the first ended, with the visitors threatening early on. Omarr Lawson found Splatt in the area, and from a tight angle he struck the ball into the arms of North.
On 57 minutes the Rebels had a great opportunity to level the scores. A long ball from defence found Matt Lench, who miskicked the ball after the Whitehawk goalkeeper hesitantly rushed out of goal.
After a short spell of pressure from the hosts, Whitehawk were defending resolutely with bodies being thrown in the way of goal bound strikes.
On 67 minutes Whitehawk doubled their advantage thanks to a slick counter-attacking move. Lawson managed to exploit the space on the left-hand side and curled a ball into the path of James Fraser, who calmly put the ball past North in the Slough goal.
Slough searched for a quick response. On 73 minutes substitute Eitel Goueth sent a delightful ball into the box which Max Worsfold could only stab straight at the goalkeeper.
Slough struggled to create anything significant from open play as the game moved into the latter stages, with set pieces looking the most likely route to goal.
Despite a late aerial bombardment and shots from range, the visitors managed to see the game out and progress into Third Round Qualifying.
MAGICAL MATWASA
BY STAMFORD AFC
Two goals from Cosmos Matwasa were enough to see Stamford progress in the FA Cup.
The victory against a team two divisions higher saw Stamford make it to the third qualifying round for the first time since 2016.
There were four changes compared to the defeat against Chasetown. In came Dan Wallis, Mike Armstrong, Stacey Freeman & Jon Challinor for Dan Haystead, Sean Wright, Cameron Johnson & Jake Duffy. The home side started brightly and forced a series of corners in the opening minutes to put the Daniels backline under pressure.
In the 12th minute, Telford almost the scored when a cross from the right from Arlen Birch was met by Jason Oswell but his shot cannoned off the post but thankfully for Stamford there was no one on hand to respond.
Stamford took the lead on 26 minutes when Challinor fed the ball to Matwasa who fired a shot from 20 yards to beat Russ Griffiths at his near post. Telford looked for an equaliser, but Wallis was equal to it and kept the efforts out. Mike Armstrong then took aim from long range, but his effort was wide of the goal.
Stamford doubled the lead on 35 minutes when Matwasa, Tendai Chitiza and Challinor all combined and as the ball came back out to Matwasa he hit a long shot through a crowd of players and Griffiths was unsighted and the ball went in off the post.
The home side made a couple of changes early in the second half as they looked to get back into the game. Tyrell Hamilton had a shot which was well saved by Wallis. Stamford then look to increase their lead when Matwasa and Chitiza both had chances but both went over the bar.
With 14 minutes remaining Telford were awarded a penalty after a foul from Stacey Freeman. Elliot Durrell stepped up and sent Wallis the wrong way to reduce the arrears. Telford were looking the more threatening and Matthew Barnes-Homer had a shot which was deflected wide.
The game was getting fraught, and some heavy challenges were being applied. With six minutes remaining Nathan Pond was shown a straight red when he fouled substitute Michael Frew from behind.
In the final minutes a cross from right is clawed away by Wallis but the ball runs loose, and Kai Williams fired the ball goalwards but substitute Sean Wright threw his body in the path of the ball to block.
As the final whistle went wild celebrations began among the players and the Daniels faithful who had made the trip.
AFC Telford Utd 1-2 Stamford
Bedford Town 1, Welwyn Garden City FC 3
WELWYN GC are in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup for only the second time in the club’s history.
The Citizens have marked their Centenary season by going as far as they have ever been in the world’s most famous cup competition, with a outstanding 3-1 away win at Bedford Town – pre-season favourites to earn promotion from WGC’s Southern League Div 1 Central.
Not since the 1998-99 season have WGC been so far. That season their interest in the Cup was ended by the then Ford United (now Redbridge FC of the Essex Senior League) 4-2 in a replay after a 2-2 draw at Herms Lane.
Sadly that season then imploded after that record-breaking run and ended in relegation.
But there’s little chance of that with the current line-up, who, despite being depleted by injury turned in a super second-half showing, scoring two sensational solo goals to put themselves into Monday’s draw.
None did better for WGC – back in their usual Claret kit - than Carl Mensah, playing for the first time in eight weeks and earlier than boss Nick Ironton would have liked. In for the unavailable Lee Close, Mensah headed and cleared every ball, showing no signs of a recent, bad knee injury.
Alongside him was Elliot Bailey, pressed into action in the troublesome right-back position, following the departure of Joe Bennett from the club and the hamstring injury sustained by Ryan Doherty in Tuesday night’s Southern League Cup defeat at Royston.
Both were outstanding supporting man-of-the-match Jay Rolfe, who was impeccable from first minute to last, in this fine overall defensive display.
“I was proud of everyone of them today. They all worked their socks off to earn a great victory. What a difference a week makes, compared to our shambolic display against St Neots last week,’’ said a proud manager Ironton, after the game.
Bedford tried to dominate from the start and a quick throw saw the dangerous Conor Tomlinson in for a fierce shot that flew wide in the opening exchanges.
Callum Taylor robbed Bedford full-back Scott Keane and bore in on goal, only to robbed at the expense of a corner, as WGC responded.
The game was very tight and evenly contested until Bedford contributed to their own downfall in the 26th minute opener.
They fatally gave the ball away just outside their own area, Jesse Walklin slid in with a trademark tackle, the ball rebounding to Jordon Watson, who kept his head to take it forward before thrashing his shot beyond home keeper Alex Street.
The home side responded immediately and ex-Football League forward Craig Mackail-Smith escaped the WGC defence to bring a fingertip save from Citizens’ keeper Charlie Crowley.
Mackail-Smith squandered a golden chance of a leveller, when Bedford were given the benefit of what seemed a foul on Mensah for full-back Lewis Miccio to get over a fine cross from the left.
But former Dagenham, Brighton and Peterborough man Mackail-Smith, somehow spooned it over the bar, when it seemed easier to score.
There were great WGC appeals for a penalty for handball minutes before the interval, when a Keenleyside corner bounced up on a Bedford defender and seemed to hit an arm. Referee Woolmer was close by but waved the appeals away.
Ben Spaul pulled a hamstring on the stroke of half-time and only lasted three minutes of the second period, before being replaced by Charlie Payne.
Just before the hour, Bedford were level. They attacked down the right, Tomlinson’s cross found Matty Harriott on the edge of the area and he struck the equaliser past Crowley for 1-1.
There were signs of what was to come in 63 minutes, when Jordan Kinoshi shook off several challenges in the Bedford half, only to slip over approaching the area and handled as he fell.
But that was only a foretaste. Nine minutes later, he scored a sensational goal - gifted the ball by full-back Keane 40 yards out - he slalomied his way past three Bedford challenges, before crashing an unstoppable effort beyond Street for 2-1.
Five minutes later, the memorable goal was equalled by another tremendous WGC goal, scored by Matty Campbell-Mhlope, who had replaced Taylor for the final 25 minutes.
This time, Campbell-Mhlope picked up on the left, switched passes with Keenleyside, who played him in on the edge of the area, where the talented sub slipped between two Bedford defenders before curling his shot into the far corner.
The WGC supporters in a 409 crowd went wild, while the scorer picked up a booking for taking his shirt off in the celebrations.
Bedford’s challenge was over and WGC held firm for the final 13 minutes, for a record-equalling win that will live long in the memory.
WGC: Crowley, Bailey, Mensah, Rolfe, Sexton, Walklin, Spaul (Payne 48), Keenleyside, Kinoshi, Watson (Vasey 83), Taylor (Campbell-Mhlope 65).
• Sutton Common Rovers2Jersey Bulls2
• Abbey Rangers0Marlow2
• AFC Fylde1Spennymoor Town1
• AFC Sudbury0Stowmarket Town0
• AFC Telford United1Stamford2
• Ashford Town (Middx)2Folkestone Invicta7
• Atherton Collieries3Witton Albion1
• Aylesbury United5Bishop's Cleeve1
• Barking1AFC Dunstable3
• Basingstoke Town3Wimborne Town4
• Beaconsfield Town FC3Havant & Waterlooville5
• Bedford Town1Welwyn Garden City3
• Bedworth United1Long Eaton United3
• Belper Town0Tamworth5
• Bishop's Stortford0Bowers & Pitsea2
• Blyth Spartans1FC United of Manchester1
• Boston United6Corby Town0
• Brackley Town4Coalville Town2
• Braintree Town1Billericay Town2
• Broadfields United2Hastings United3
• Bromsgrove Sporting6Worksop Town0
• Burgess Hill Town0Dorking Wanderers4
• Buxton4Rushall Olympic0
• Carshalton Athletic1Ebbsfleet United2
• Chelmsford City5Little Oakley1
• Chertsey Town1Chesham United0
• Chichester City1Maidstone United3
• Chorley2Southport2
• Cirencester Town3Hamworthy United1
• City of Liverpool3Farsley Celtic0
• Cleethorpes Town1Alfreton Town0
• Colne0Guiseley1
• Concord Rangers0St Albans City0
• Curzon Ashton4Stockton Town0
• Darlington0Chester0
• Dartford5Hythe Town1
• Dulwich Hamlet0Bedfont Sports1
• East Thurrock United2Needham Market2
• Enfield Town1Hadley1
• Frome Town2Oxford City1
• Gateshead6Bradford (Park Avenue)2
• Great Wakering Rovers3Peterborough Sports5
• Halesowen Town1Handsworth3
• Hanley Town2Chasetown1
• Hanwell Town0Eastbourne Borough2
• Hayes & Yeading5Tonbridge Angels0
• Hitchin Town0Cheshunt3
• Hornchurch4Walthamstow1
• Hungerford Town1Truro City0
• Kings Langley1Leiston1
• Kingstonian1Horsham1
• Leamington3Stone Old Alleynians1
• Leatherhead0Corinthian-Casuals0
• Lymington Town2Hereford2
• Marine3Warrington Town0
• Marske United3South Shields0
• Merstham4Margate1
• Metropolitan Police1Farnborough1
• Mickleover1Basford United3
• Morpeth Town4Lancaster City1
• Mossley1Radcliffe2
• Nantwich Town1Banbury United2
• Norwich United3Mildenhall Town2
• Phoenix Sports1Redhill3
• Poole Town1Chippenham Town1
• Prescot Cables0Whitby Town3
• Runcorn Linnets3Bamber Bridge1
• Shaftesbury Town0Bath City1
• Slough Town1Whitehawk3
• Spalding United1Kettering Town1
• Sporting Khalsa1Kidderminster Harriers3
• Squires Gate2Pontefract Collieries3
• Stratford Town4Nuneaton Borough0
• Tiverton Town1Sholing3
• Walton Casuals0Hampton & Richmond3
• Ware2Hemel Hempstead Town2
• Welling United0Harrow Borough2
• Weston-super-Mare5Taunton Town1
• Wingate & Finchley3Baldock Town0
• Yate Town2Gosport Borough0
• York City3Hebburn Town0EMIRATES F.A. CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND
BUXTON (3) 4 RUSHALL OLYMPIC (0) 0 ATTENDANCE 405
Buxton convincingly dispatched former NPL rivals, Rushall, in the September sunshine with attacking midfielder, Tommy Elliott, the undoubted star of the show with 2 goals and 2 'assists' in an outstanding individual display. His team-mates provided splendid support in an impressive performance that laid the bogey of a visiting club, which had won 6 of its 8 previous Silverlands encounters. 'The Pics' did make several openings, but a combination of effective defending and forward failings helped to keep a 'clean sheet' for 'the Bucks'.
Home dominance began only 2 minutes in as 'the Bucks', attacking the Ashwood End, immediately created a high tempo. Elliott's sumptuous, back-heeled pass opened a route for Jamie Ward, who ran on to shoot low into the left net corner from 18 yards. Brimming with confidence, Elliott then blasted a 25-yard power-drive at the 'keeper before delivering an accurate pull-back from the by-line but de Girolamo inexplicably fired over the bar from 5 yards-all within the opening 5 minutes! Rushall responded with some possession but found themselves 0-2 down in the 14th minute as Theo Richardson's long free-kick was allowed to bounce, freeing the irrepressible Elliott to round 'keeper Palmer and net easily.
In the 2nd quarter of the tie, 'the Pics' had chances to halve the deficit. In Owen Parry they have a player with a prodigiously long throw but sound defending and goalkeeping prevented any of his 8 first-half missiles from creating a goal, while the excellent Ben Middleton recovered to rob Cobourne when a misplaced pass gave him a 1-on-1 opportunity. Meanwhile Buxton continued to threaten, Palmer being forced to save with his feet a shot by substitute Chris Dawson, whose pass in added time allowed Elliott to give his side a 3-0 interval lead as the visiting defence created its own problem with defective passing under pressure.
'The Bucks' re-started with a trio of attacks, the last of which produced a de Girolamo shot, saved at the expense of a corner, but generally in the 3rd quarter they were 'off the boil' and 'the Pics', sharing possession, created openings. Richardson did very well at his near post after Parry turned and shot low, and Middleton again distinguished himself in defending against Cobourne.
De Girolamo was replaced by Ash Chambers, who immediately scored his side's 4th goal and his 7th of the campaign (making him the leading scorer).A low Elliott pull-back set up the striker for a delightfully-placed effort just inside a post.
To their credit the visitors continued to seek some consolation, but a bizarre 79th-minute incident must have convinced them that it was simply not their day! Parry's curling shot was heading for goal when team-mate Whittall applied an unnecessary strike to divert the ball high over the bar and also prompt the assistant to raise an offside flag! Richardson then emphasised the point with a spectacular flying save to preserve a Buxton 'clean sheet'.
The dream of reaching the F.A. Cup's 1st round proper for the first time in nearly 60 years lives on!
Team: Richardson, Curley, Fox, Meikle, Granite, Middleton, Ward (Dawson), Milnes, De Girolamo (Chambers), Elliott, Clarke (Hinds). Unused Subs: Dillingham, Catt, Sherwood and H Richardson.
BEDWORTH UNITED 1-3 LONG EATON UNITED
BY BRADLEY WHITE
Long Eaton United are through to the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup after a dramatic win at The Oval.
It is the first time the Blues have reached this stage of the famous competition since 1976 and equals the club's record run for the fifth time.
Jamie Walker scored the opener with a fantastic free kick and Kam Campbell doubled the Blues' lead in the buildup to the break. Long Eaton Were reduced to ten men in the 73rd minute as Alex Marshall received a harsh second yellow card and moments later Connor Deards found the back of the net to reduce the lead. However, with the last kick of the game, Jamie Walker bagged his brace to wrap up the match.
Ian Deakin made two changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Loughborough University midweek. Kam Campbell returned from injury and replaced James Shaw in the front three and Marley Fearon made his first competitive start as he replaced Mitchell Robinson.
The hosts took the direct approach in the opening minutes and Bedworth’s number nine Mitchell Piggon was the target. A free kick from Reece Blackmore clipped the bar and fell to Piggon at the back post who took aim and hit a half-volley, which Keiran Walker blocked with a thumping header.
Minutes later Piggon found the back of the net with a close-range volley, but it was chalked off by the referee who spotted a push in the back on Brad Wilson in the build-up.
Piggon had yet another chance when Ishmael Dawson blocked Brad Wilson’s clearance - The Greenback’s centre forward brought the ball down and tried his luck from the edge of the area, but Sam Wilson was equal to the strike.
Calls for offside from the Long Eaton defence fell on deaf ears as Essa Sawyers raced through on goal, although it did not matter as the forward’s lobbed effort flew over the bar.
Long Eaton United’s first real chance arrived in the form of a set piece. From similar range to his free kick against Loughborough on Tuesday, Jamie Walker picked out the top right corner with a lovely effort to fire the Blues in front after 29 minutes played.
Bedworth immediately looked for a reply, Piggon found himself some space in the box, but Romaine Graham was quick to close the striker down and Danny Gordon tracked back to block the eventual shot.
Back in the starting eleven after a midweek absence, Campbell doubled the advantage in the 34th minute. Alex Marshall volleyed the ball downwards and Campbell got on the end of the wayward effort and volleyed home from point-blank range – a true poacher’s goal as half time approached.
Five minutes after the restart Campbell should have had his brace. Jamie Walker ran to the byline and cut the ball back across to Campbell who struck the bar with a shot from six yards out.
Minutes later Romaine Graham won back possession on the halfway line and outpaced two Bedworth defenders as he dribbled the length of the half towards goal. Unfortunately, Graham’s final touch let him down and his attempted pass towards Tom Marshall was intercepted and cleared.
Back in the Blues’ half, Bedworth substitute Luke Rowe took a shot on from range which Fearon dived in to block, Rowe hit the rebound on the volley but Sam Wilson stopped the attempt with a diving save.
Long Eaton were reduced to ten men when Alex Marshall received a harsh second yellow for a 50/50 challenge by the touchline. This sparked life into Bedworth and Deards found the back of the net to hand the hosts a lifeline.
Substitute Bartosz Korzeniewski almost made an instant impact, his shot from 18-yards out took a deflection and almost caught out Sam Lomax who just about clawed the shot off the line.
Bedworth hammered the Blues’ 18-yard box with crosses, but Sam Wilson commanded his area well to defend the lead.
With less than a minute on the clock, Jamie Walker put the match beyond doubt with his fourth goal in two matches. Sam Wilson’s kick beat the Bedworth backline and Jamie slotted the ball past Lomax to wrap the match up and secure Long Eaton United’s place in the Third Qualifying Round.
REPORT: MICKLEOVER (FAC2QR)
BY MARC WILLIAMS
In the hat with a win in Derbyshire...
Basford United progressed to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with a professional 3-1 win over Mickleover on Saturday.
Ben Lewin gave the hosts a 7th minute lead before Rev James equalised ten minutes before the break.
Kane Richards then put Steve Chettle’s side in front late on before James sealed the victory in the dying seconds as they reach this stage for the first time since 2017.
Boss Chettle made only one change to the side that beat Gainsborough Trinity on Tuesday; James replacing the unfortunate Alex Howes who dropped to the bench.
United made the short journey across county lines unbeaten in seven and on the back of four consecutive wins and were buoyed by their previous round win over Stourbridge earlier this month.
However, it was Mickleover who started the brighter, and they took the lead early on.
Some scrappy play in midfield was pounced on down the right and a low cross managed to find its way through for the onrushing Lewin to neatly pass home the opener.
Andy Dales then had a decent chance to extend the advantage only seven minutes later, but he could only blaze well over the crossbar after good play by Stuart Beavon, whilst Aaron O’Connor, at the other end, failed to trouble Callum Hawkins with a tame strike.
And ‘Over should have added a second with 25 minutes played when Thornhill’s sloppy back-pass to Collin fell short, Beavon pounced but his shot lacked any thrust and Collin parried away.
Basford reacted well to the slow start, and the enforced drinks break at a sun-kissed Don Amott Arena; Thornhill flicking over a low Ryan Wilson free-kick, before he volleyed well over moments later after good link-up play with O’Connor.
Brad Gascoigne then nodded another Wilson set piece back into a dangerous area, though a mass scramble saw a bandaged James Butler hack desperately clear.
With pressure mounting and chances telling, the visitors could smell an equaliser and after Gascoigne’s astute pass over the top sent James through, the striker – benefiting from a kind ricochet – rounded Hawkins and drew his side deservedly level.
Former Wycombe Wanderers striker Beavon had another chance, though his curling hit was smartly deflected wide for a corner by Wilson just after the break and Butler had to be on hand again to clear Owen Betts’ dangerous cross moments later.
Away dominance resumed with United well on top and they had three efforts within a matter of minutes that saw Terry Hawkridge, Thornhill and O’Connor have chances, all thwarted by a combination of Butler and Hawkins.
Collin then did well to tip Lee Holmes’ rasping strike onto the woodwork in a rare venture forward for the hosts and their unsettled home support, before Thornhill curled a delightful effort marginally over after controlling well when Wilson’s corner was half-cleared.
However, a second was not long in coming. Some earlier patience from Declan Dunn and Hawkridge allowed James to turn and his neat pass – splitting three – found Richards who forced his shot under Hawkins for the go-ahead goal.
Not resting on their laurels, Basford pushed for a third and their passage into the next round was confirmed when Richards broke, played in James and he did the rest; bolting past Butler to slot past Burton Albion loanee Hawkins into the far corner.
MATCH ATTENDANCE: 299
NAILERS EXIT FA CUP AS TAMWORTH RUN RIOT
BY DAVID LAUGHLIN
Belper exited the Emirates FA Cup at the Second Qualifying Round despite a positive start at the Raygar Stadium
Belper made the early running and after 3 minutes a Josh Woodcock cross was headed just over the bar by Jonathon Margetts.
In the 11th minute Brodie Litchfield collected the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a shot that went just wide of Jas Singh’s goal.
Belper continued to seek the opening goal and 3 minutes later Corey Gregory’s back heel found Margetts but his left foot shot couldn’t find the target.
The game turned in a 10 minute period starting when Belper were awarded a penalty after 16 minutes following a trip inside the box. However Margetts’ spot kick was saved by the shin of Singh and the game remained goalless.
The home side went close again on 21 minutes when Craig Nelthorpe’s free kick was headed just over the bar by Riece Bertram.
On 24 minutes Tamworth created their first good chance as the impressive Mikey Taylor brought down a cross before swivelling and slotting home past Ollie Battersby. In truth this was at the time against the run of play, but it turned out to be the opening of the floodgates.
In the 37th minute a foul on Taylor resulted in referee Alan Cox pointing to the spot for the second time. This time it was for the Lambs and Dexter Walters stepped up to double their lead.
The sides went into the half time break with Tamworth leading 2-0.
Nathan Curtis replaced Tom Wilson who appeared to have taken a knock and manager Grant Black would have hoped this to spark some more attacking flair from the Nailers.
7 minutes in to the second half, Tamworth came close to killing the game off when Jordan Clement cut back and found Taylor but his shot was just wide.
On 55 minutes Walters scored his second and Tamworth’s third when he cut in from the left hand side and shot from 18 yards, Battersby got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out and Belper’s defeat was effectively sealed.
A double substitution on 59 minutes was the manager’s last attempt to pull off a miracle comeback as Alex Peterson and Andre Johnson replaced Margetts and Gregory.
A minute later Taylor, the man of the match completed his brace when he picked up a long ball forward before rounding Todd Jordan and scoring past Battersby to make it 4-0.
At this point the crowd had become flat however the Nailers still pushed and on 77 minutes, Litchfield’s free kick was headed across goal, with Jordan stretching but unable to connect.
The fifth and final goal came 9 minutes from time. Belper had a corner from which Peterson’s header was saved.
The goal kick caught Belper out at the back and found Michael Tait completely alone with just Battersby to beat. Another calm finish followed and at 5-0 the last few minutes were played out without incident in front of an excellent crowd of 820.
Belper Town: Battersby, Woodcock, Kozluk, Bertram, South, Wilson (Curtis 45), Litchfield, Gregory (Johnson 59), Margetts (Peterson 59), Jordan, Nelthorpe. Unused subs: Reeves, Hawkes, M. Wright.
Tamworth: Singh, Yeomans (Tait 76), Wilder, Fords, Pendley, Howkins, Waite, Thomas, Taylor (Olusemo 63), Clement, Walters (Concannon 59) Unused subs: Brogan, Riley, Fallows.
Referee: Alan Cox
Attendance: 820
CLEETHORPES TOWN 1 ALFRETON TOWN 0
BY DAVID SIMPSON
OWLS MARCH ON IN FA CUP!
A fantastic team performance saw the Owls fly past National North outfit Alfreton Town 1-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon. Brody Robertson scored the only goal to register a thoroughly deserved upset.
For the first time this campaign, Dave Smith named an unchanged starting XI. With injuries beginning to clear, the bench had a strong feel to it as well.
The side lined-up as follows in a 3-5-2 formation:
Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Jordon Cooke, Paul Walker, Oli Donald
Midfield: Tim Lowe, Sam Topliss, Alex Flett ©, Josh Venney, Loz McKay
Attack: Brody Robertson, Josh Batty
Subs: Lennon Stead, Liam Dickens, Jon Oglesby, Harry Middleton, Matt Bloomer, Andy Pettinger (gk)
Despite their recent good form, Clee entered the tie as underdogs. However, there was definitely optimism in the air at the Myenergi Stadium by kick-off time.
It was clear from the off that the visitors would be adopting a direct approach. No real surprise with Rhead leading the line. Nevertheless, the back 3 of Walker, Cooke and Donald all provided outstanding displays to ward off the threat.
Alfreton’s play was too predictable in fairness – Lund’s long throw being their main attacking outlet. Keeper Jackson was a commanding presence between the sticks however, claiming high balls and patrolling his area with authority.
Clee gradually grew into the contest and then took command, matching their opponents for physicality and playing the much more attractive football.
A couple of flowing moves almost created a clear opening, with just the final pass going astray. Batty, who was his normal all-action self, went closest to breaking the deadlock when firing into the side-netting from an acute angle.
HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Alfreton Town 0
It seemed likely that the opening goal was going to be crucial, and it fell the way of the Owls on 50 minutes.
A fast-paced counter opened up the Reds and when the opportunity fell to Brody Robertson, the striker gleefully smashed it into the net (picture credit: “jumping for joy!” by Hayden Newbegin).
Just the boost needed and Clee continued to bridge the 40-place gap in the non-league pyramid with confidence. Every player, without exception, was putting in a real shift and Alfreton had no answers.
Scorer Robertson should have wrapped matters up after good work from sub Oglesby, firing high over the bar at the Church End. Any thoughts that the miss would come back to haunt the Owls largely disappeared with a shade less than 10 minutes left on the referee’s watch.
Tom Allan went flying recklessly into a tackle, as the visitors’ frustration reached a crescendo. All eyes turned to the official, who brandished a straight red card. Despite complaints, it looked to be the correct decision.
Alfreton tried to galvanise themselves into a final effort but Clee, backed by their tremendous fans, showed great composure to complete an inspiring win. The run to the 3rd Round Qualifying equals the club’s best run in the famous old competition.
FT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Robertson 50) Alfreton Town 0 Attendance: 297
Days like this really is what non-league football is all about, isn’t it? To outplay a National North team takes some doing – congratulations and well played to the management & players! Whoever we get in the next round, there will be nothing to fear.
Let’s all take time to dream about more FA Cup glory…
Slough Town bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup in Second Round Qualifying after a 3-1 home defeat to Whitehawk, writes Sam Pryke.
On a hot day at Arbour Park, the Rebels got off to the perfect start and within 6 minutes took the lead. A long throw from the left-hand side was headed in by an unmarked Freddie Grant.
Town began to dictate proceedings, with several crosses from both flanks testing the defence of the visitors, without any clear-cut chances.
On 14 minutes, Slough ought to have done better after a wicked ball from the right was delivered into the box, which was headed wide by Ben Harris.
Town were made to pay for squandering that opportunity swiftly after with an equaliser soon following.
On 16 minutes, the visitors’ captain Henry Muggeridge latched onto a long ball down the middle, expertly slotting the ball under the onrushing Jonathan North.
Whitehawk were buoyed by the leveller, earning corners in quick succession but the Slough defence stood firm.
With the half drifting towards a stalemate at the break, the visitors managed to gain the upper hand right before the half time whistle.
A corner was whipped in from the right-hand side with Javaun Splatt towering above the Slough defence to nod home.
The second half began as the first ended, with the visitors threatening early on. Omarr Lawson found Splatt in the area, and from a tight angle he struck the ball into the arms of North.
On 57 minutes the Rebels had a great opportunity to level the scores. A long ball from defence found Matt Lench, who miskicked the ball after the Whitehawk goalkeeper hesitantly rushed out of goal.
After a short spell of pressure from the hosts, Whitehawk were defending resolutely with bodies being thrown in the way of goal bound strikes.
On 67 minutes Whitehawk doubled their advantage thanks to a slick counter-attacking move. Lawson managed to exploit the space on the left-hand side and curled a ball into the path of James Fraser, who calmly put the ball past North in the Slough goal.
Slough searched for a quick response. On 73 minutes substitute Eitel Goueth sent a delightful ball into the box which Max Worsfold could only stab straight at the goalkeeper.
Slough struggled to create anything significant from open play as the game moved into the latter stages, with set pieces looking the most likely route to goal.
Despite a late aerial bombardment and shots from range, the visitors managed to see the game out and progress into Third Round Qualifying.
MAGICAL MATWASA
BY STAMFORD AFC
Two goals from Cosmos Matwasa were enough to see Stamford progress in the FA Cup.
The victory against a team two divisions higher saw Stamford make it to the third qualifying round for the first time since 2016.
There were four changes compared to the defeat against Chasetown. In came Dan Wallis, Mike Armstrong, Stacey Freeman & Jon Challinor for Dan Haystead, Sean Wright, Cameron Johnson & Jake Duffy. The home side started brightly and forced a series of corners in the opening minutes to put the Daniels backline under pressure.
In the 12th minute, Telford almost the scored when a cross from the right from Arlen Birch was met by Jason Oswell but his shot cannoned off the post but thankfully for Stamford there was no one on hand to respond.
Stamford took the lead on 26 minutes when Challinor fed the ball to Matwasa who fired a shot from 20 yards to beat Russ Griffiths at his near post. Telford looked for an equaliser, but Wallis was equal to it and kept the efforts out. Mike Armstrong then took aim from long range, but his effort was wide of the goal.
Stamford doubled the lead on 35 minutes when Matwasa, Tendai Chitiza and Challinor all combined and as the ball came back out to Matwasa he hit a long shot through a crowd of players and Griffiths was unsighted and the ball went in off the post.
The home side made a couple of changes early in the second half as they looked to get back into the game. Tyrell Hamilton had a shot which was well saved by Wallis. Stamford then look to increase their lead when Matwasa and Chitiza both had chances but both went over the bar.
With 14 minutes remaining Telford were awarded a penalty after a foul from Stacey Freeman. Elliot Durrell stepped up and sent Wallis the wrong way to reduce the arrears. Telford were looking the more threatening and Matthew Barnes-Homer had a shot which was deflected wide.
The game was getting fraught, and some heavy challenges were being applied. With six minutes remaining Nathan Pond was shown a straight red when he fouled substitute Michael Frew from behind.
In the final minutes a cross from right is clawed away by Wallis but the ball runs loose, and Kai Williams fired the ball goalwards but substitute Sean Wright threw his body in the path of the ball to block.
As the final whistle went wild celebrations began among the players and the Daniels faithful who had made the trip.
AFC Telford Utd 1-2 Stamford
Bedford Town 1, Welwyn Garden City FC 3
WELWYN GC are in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup for only the second time in the club’s history.
The Citizens have marked their Centenary season by going as far as they have ever been in the world’s most famous cup competition, with a outstanding 3-1 away win at Bedford Town – pre-season favourites to earn promotion from WGC’s Southern League Div 1 Central.
Not since the 1998-99 season have WGC been so far. That season their interest in the Cup was ended by the then Ford United (now Redbridge FC of the Essex Senior League) 4-2 in a replay after a 2-2 draw at Herms Lane.
Sadly that season then imploded after that record-breaking run and ended in relegation.
But there’s little chance of that with the current line-up, who, despite being depleted by injury turned in a super second-half showing, scoring two sensational solo goals to put themselves into Monday’s draw.
None did better for WGC – back in their usual Claret kit - than Carl Mensah, playing for the first time in eight weeks and earlier than boss Nick Ironton would have liked. In for the unavailable Lee Close, Mensah headed and cleared every ball, showing no signs of a recent, bad knee injury.
Alongside him was Elliot Bailey, pressed into action in the troublesome right-back position, following the departure of Joe Bennett from the club and the hamstring injury sustained by Ryan Doherty in Tuesday night’s Southern League Cup defeat at Royston.
Both were outstanding supporting man-of-the-match Jay Rolfe, who was impeccable from first minute to last, in this fine overall defensive display.
“I was proud of everyone of them today. They all worked their socks off to earn a great victory. What a difference a week makes, compared to our shambolic display against St Neots last week,’’ said a proud manager Ironton, after the game.
Bedford tried to dominate from the start and a quick throw saw the dangerous Conor Tomlinson in for a fierce shot that flew wide in the opening exchanges.
Callum Taylor robbed Bedford full-back Scott Keane and bore in on goal, only to robbed at the expense of a corner, as WGC responded.
The game was very tight and evenly contested until Bedford contributed to their own downfall in the 26th minute opener.
They fatally gave the ball away just outside their own area, Jesse Walklin slid in with a trademark tackle, the ball rebounding to Jordon Watson, who kept his head to take it forward before thrashing his shot beyond home keeper Alex Street.
The home side responded immediately and ex-Football League forward Craig Mackail-Smith escaped the WGC defence to bring a fingertip save from Citizens’ keeper Charlie Crowley.
Mackail-Smith squandered a golden chance of a leveller, when Bedford were given the benefit of what seemed a foul on Mensah for full-back Lewis Miccio to get over a fine cross from the left.
But former Dagenham, Brighton and Peterborough man Mackail-Smith, somehow spooned it over the bar, when it seemed easier to score.
There were great WGC appeals for a penalty for handball minutes before the interval, when a Keenleyside corner bounced up on a Bedford defender and seemed to hit an arm. Referee Woolmer was close by but waved the appeals away.
Ben Spaul pulled a hamstring on the stroke of half-time and only lasted three minutes of the second period, before being replaced by Charlie Payne.
Just before the hour, Bedford were level. They attacked down the right, Tomlinson’s cross found Matty Harriott on the edge of the area and he struck the equaliser past Crowley for 1-1.
There were signs of what was to come in 63 minutes, when Jordan Kinoshi shook off several challenges in the Bedford half, only to slip over approaching the area and handled as he fell.
But that was only a foretaste. Nine minutes later, he scored a sensational goal - gifted the ball by full-back Keane 40 yards out - he slalomied his way past three Bedford challenges, before crashing an unstoppable effort beyond Street for 2-1.
Five minutes later, the memorable goal was equalled by another tremendous WGC goal, scored by Matty Campbell-Mhlope, who had replaced Taylor for the final 25 minutes.
This time, Campbell-Mhlope picked up on the left, switched passes with Keenleyside, who played him in on the edge of the area, where the talented sub slipped between two Bedford defenders before curling his shot into the far corner.
The WGC supporters in a 409 crowd went wild, while the scorer picked up a booking for taking his shirt off in the celebrations.
Bedford’s challenge was over and WGC held firm for the final 13 minutes, for a record-equalling win that will live long in the memory.
WGC: Crowley, Bailey, Mensah, Rolfe, Sexton, Walklin, Spaul (Payne 48), Keenleyside, Kinoshi, Watson (Vasey 83), Taylor (Campbell-Mhlope 65).