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In recent years the FA Cup has suffered declining interest, yet it is an inherently magical competition. For the coming season over 700 clubs have entered and the first draws have been made without any big-time TV coverage. The first matches will be in the EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND due to be played Saturday August 7th. Winners will receive £1,125 and losers get £375. This sort of finance really matters to clubs at this level. 174 games will be played from Ashington v Newcastle Benfield to Ilfracombe Town v Wellington AFC as 348 teams embark on the road to Wembley.

I'm going to do my best to report on every round, if not every match of the competition.

The draw has also been made for the Preliminary Round itself, due to be played Saturday August 21st. Winners get £1,444 and losers collect £481. There will be 155 ties in all from Marske v Pickering Town to Mousehole v Plymouth Parkway or Helston Athletic, so 136 teams will come in at this stage.

You could even do what TheMaclad often does, select a local team and follow it until it is knocked out and then follow the conquerors. This is much closer to the real game than the Euros.

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FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND

ROUND UP

After their first ever competitive defeat last week against Beckenham Town, Jersey Bulls got the FA CUP Extra Preliminary Round off to a flyer by hammering Horsham YMCA 10-1 in their first appearance in the trophy. In the most southerly game in FA Cup history Lorne Bickley and Sol Solomon registered hat-tricks in front of an excellent crowd of 975.

Elsewhere, Macclesfield’s bow in the FA Cup as a reformed club ended in triumph as they fired four past North West Counties rivals Burscough in a game which saw winger Aaron Dwyer score two and create the other two for a 4-0 result which pleased manager Danny Whitaker who had been disappointed by his team’s 4-4 draw against Winsford in midweek. He described his team as, “clinical in front of goal and superb in defence.”

The first FA Cup tie staged on Sheerwater’s new 3G pitch in their new £26 million Eastwood Centre turned out to be a disappointment as Erith Town led from the 8th minute thanks to Harry Gamble’s opener and ran out 0-2 winners.

Veteran striker Josh McKenzie eased Sporting Khalsa through with a hat-trick which helped his team to a 4-3 win against Coventry Sphinx. The 38 year-old admitted the furthest out was probably only five yards commenting, “I don’t care where they’re from as long as they go in.”

Consett came through a tight game at Whickham 2-3, netting the winner in the 89th minute. Consett came back from 2-1 down when Jake Orrell curled a shot into the top corner and substitute Carl Dawson headed the winner after a shot from Dale Pearson hit the underside of the bar.

Long Eaton United came back from a goal down after 15 minutes against Holbeach. After dominating the opening play Long Eaton conceded a corner from which Elston fired in at the back post, but that setback only seemed to increase Long Eaton’s hunger. In the 28th minute Man of the Match James Gale rifled home the leveller, nine minutes later he made the second for Marshall, a third came from Kameron Campbell on 51 minutes and Gale rounded matters off in the 70th minute to put his side out of sight.

Ascot United’s 3G facility in a corner of the racecourse saw them win at a canter against Holyport 3-0 in which the goal of the game came from Duarte Surpanu, who struck from wide on the left to end the visitor’s cup dreams for this season.

A Louis Potts hat-trick saw his team Avro register a 3-1 victory at West Didsbury and Chorlton in torrid conditions. A succession of saves from keeper Jordan Latham had kept his side in the game until the 90th minute, when Potts completed his hat-trick.

Down in Devon a missed Brixham penalty in the first minute set the tone for a bizarre clash between Brixham and Bridgewater United. At one point Bridgewater were down to eight players with Jordan Greenwood sent-off, Jack Taylor sin-binned, against the rules of the competition, and Jake Llewellyn receiving treatment on the side lines. Brixham’s first assault on the competition saw Tom Ellis first win a penalty for Bridgewater, then set up the second form a quick throw to give the visitors a 0-2 lead, before a late goal from substitute Adam Dyson pulled one back to create a hectic final few minutes from which the visitors emerged 1-2 winners.

Edgware Town fielded 10 debutants against Hadley, but it took their more experienced visitors into the second half to edge ahead with the assistance themselves of three substitutes before emerging 0-3 winners.

Under-pressure, Heanor Town hung on at AFC Wulfrun’s through a glut of missed chances until a desperate clearance found Jamie Sleigh, who swung the ball in for Lewis Weaver to finish neatly and put the Derbyshire side ahead. However, Wulfs hit straight back and just on half-time they went ahead, a lead they neither surrendered, nor extended to the end of the game.

Penistone Church played out a 0-0 draw at Lower Breck, as did Haughmond at Hereford Lads Club. Beckenham Town were held 0-0 a week after beating Jersey Bulls by Colliers Wood, Cogenhoe and Haverhill failed to trouble the scorers, as did Newark and Lutterworth. Shepton Mallet and Andover New Street similarly failed to register, as did Vauxhall Motors and Skelmersdale.

REPORTS

ILFRACOMBE TOWN 4-3 WELLINGTON AFC

Wellington AFC travelled to Ilfracombe in the FA Cup and fielded their third goalkeeper in as many games with 17-year-old Shay Allen making his debut. With a strong wind marring the game, Wellington started better and were soon testing the home defence down the left flank and took the lead after a quarter of an hour when a great cross field ball found Jack Bown-Porter wide on the left, whose ball inside to Baker led to a block which Jake Quick pounced on to score.

An immediate Ilfracombe equaliser came when a Chris Roberts cross from the right eluded both the defence and keeper Allen and Joe Barker netted from close in. A minute later, Ilfracombe took the lead in identical circumstances through the same two players. Wellington’s attacks as they tried to get back on terms paid off when Miles Quick challenged for a ball in the area which rebounded off his shin and looped over keeper Steve Oliver into the net.

After the break, exchanges were even until after 55 minutes, Poulsom was grabbed and pulled to the ground and the referee awarded a penalty which Towler converted to give Wellington the lead.

Ilfracombe levelled from a disputed free kick just outside the penalty area which Jenkins put over the wall to beat Allen and make the score 3-3.

Play swung from end to end with the wind an important factor, but 80 minutes in poor defending allowed Kevin Squire in at the far post to put Ilfracombe in front 4-3 and despite some good possession Wellington were unable to get back on terms.


GRESLEY ROVERS 3-0 BEWDLEY TOWN

Gresley Rovers advanced to the next round of the FA Cup after Danny Munday’s hat-trick guided them to a 3-0 victory over Bewdley Town. Three second-half strikes from the Gresley striker saw Rovers book a preliminary round tie with Leek Town in a couple of weeks.

Bewdley offered little threat across the 90 minutes, but defended doggedly and made the hosts work hard. In a cagey first half there were few chances due Bewdley’s high press. Hart and Seal were Gresley’s danger men, but Bewdley did threaten through Morris and Rudds, as it became obvious Gresley were struggling to score.

The second half saw Rovers come out a livelier outfit, and it took them just seven minutes to break the deadlock. Alex Morris used his height to win a header from a throw-in down the right, flicking the ball over the top of Bewdley’s defence to Hart. Hart spun and volleyed into keeper Sidway’s body, which Munday followed in to open the scoring.

Once on top the only thing standing between Gresley and a second was an inspired goalkeeper who thwarted Hart’s efforts to add to the tally. Whilst Hart remained frustrated by the form of the away goalkeeper Gresley were nearly caught cold when keeper Lewis Fenney was forced to tip an effort around the post late on. However, the game was made safe in injury time when receiving the ball from Seal, Munday cheekily chipped Sidway from the edge of the box. Not content, the striker completed his hat-trick with the last kick of the game, as he raced onto a goal kick and smashed the ball home.


BARNOLDSWICK 6-1 RUNCORN TOWN

After early pressure it took only 9 minutes for Barlick (Barnoldswick) to take the lead through Paul Turner, taking the ball past the keeper Adam Reid and slotting home from Gareth Hill’s assist.

Barlick were dominating the play and were denied a second when a shot from Paul Turner rattled the bar and when Gareth Hill had the ball in the back of the net only to be ruled out by the linesman.

Barlick continued to dominate, though Runcorn remained in the game gaining several free kicks and hitting a shot into the side-netting, but it was the home side who won several corners, had shots blocked and effort from Ralph hit the post, but the score remained 1-0 at half time.
In the 2nd half it took Barnoldswick only two minutes to find a second goal through Brad Knox when his shot went under the keeper and into the bottom corner to set off a goal frenzy. Ben Ashton added a third after 55 minutes putting it through the keeper's legs from close range and a minute later, Paul Turner got his second from a cut back. Andy Hill added to the scoresheet after 59 minutes after playing a one-two with Brad Knox.

On 69 minutes Runcorn grabbed some consolation through a Ben Greenop strike from just outside of the box into the top corner. The sixth on 75 minutes was added by Andy Hill as his shot, from 25 yards out, arrowed into the top corner to secure his brace and see Barnoldswick through to play Ramsbottom United in the next round.

(Gate 232)


All the scores are available on Scores and Fixtures on the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/scores-fixtures2021-08-07 or 08-06 and 08-08 for those games not played on Saturday.

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FA Cup Preliminary Round

Reports

Glossop North End 0-1 Kendal Town FC

The road to Wembley opened up before Kendal Town as they knocked Glossop North End out of the Emirates FA Cup.

Kendal bounced back from Tuesday's defeat to Bootle beating Glossop North End 1-0 with Eric Yahaya scoring from the penalty spot. Manager Chris Humphrey asked his team a few questions after his side lost on Tuesday night, this answer was just the reaction the gaffer would have been after.

Glossop started the brighter of the two teams, but after 20 minutes Kendal started to show Glossop what they were about and soon gained a penalty through Yves Zama, which Eric Yahaya coolly slotted into the bottom left-hand corner with the Glossop keeper going the wrong way. The goal motivated Town and they really started to dominate the game going in 1-0 up at the break.

Glossop came out fighting after half time putting Town under some real pressure bringing Morgan Bacon in goal into the action a number of times and dominating the final 30 minutes of play. Nevertheless, Kendal held out for the 1-0 win and Morgan Bacon, who made some exceptional saves, was deservedly awarded Kendal's man of the match.

Prestwich Heys 0-3 Warrington Rylands

Prestwich Heys bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup as they were beaten 3-0 by Northern Premier League Warrington Rylands, but Manager Matt Barnes’ side put up a real fight before succumbing to the current holders of the FA Vase. After conceding an early goal, Heys rallied superbly and could have gone in level, if not in front, at halfway.

However, Rylands came out of the blocks strongly at the start of the second period and two goals in a three-minute spell took the game away from the home side.
For an FA Cup tie, the game had opened in sedate fashion with neither side threatening. That mood may well have played a part in the opening goal as it came from an unforced error in the 6th minute. James Dwyer under hit his back pass and Rylands striker Luke Sephton was quick to round Heys ‘keeper Russell Saunders and slot home.

Despite the pedigree of the opponents Heys regained their composure to begin to put together some nice football and Brad Sixsmith saw a shot held by the visitors ‘keeper Graham McCall. Rylands responded in the 20th minute when Luke Wall fired in a cross that was met by an overhead kick from Callum Less that flew just over, but by and large Heys were keeping the visitors at arm’s length.

Heys gradually asserted their authority with the surging wide runs of Jamie Hill providing a constant threat. Indeed, they came close to an equaliser in the 33rd minute. A ball in behind the defence saw McCall come flying out of his goal, but the pace of Hill left him stranded. When the Heys wide man crossed, Coop let fly from the edge of the area, but Richard Smith got across to block the goal bound shot.

Heys continued to press and on the stroke of half time a stray pass was seized upon by Coop, who bore down on goal, only for McCall to get enough on his shot to push it wide.

The second half was a different story. Saunders was soon in action in goal for Heys, firstly doing well to come out and block a Sephton effort in the 47th minute and then pushing away a header from Smith. Kyle Sambor, then broke through to lift a shot over Saunders, but Taylor Share got back to clear.
Under mounting pressure Heys cracked in the 55th minute. A cross to the far post picked out an unmarked Smith, who headed inside for Joe Denman to slot home from close range. Three minutes later they were undone in the air again when Smith again found space at the far post to head home and effectively seal the game.
To their credit Heys remained unbowed and almost reduced the arrears when the irrepressible Hill jinxed into the box to pick out Sixsmith who glanced a header just wide, but only the crossbar saved Heys in the 73rd minute when Walls shot from inside the box, and Rylands were able to see out the game out, despite Prestwich’s spirited efforts.

Bishop’s Cleeve 2 Tring Athletic 0

Whilst the hosts controlled a lot of the ball early on it was the visitors who looked the most threatening, with Tommy Twelves having a couple of efforts, including a powerfully struck shot which flew just over, going close.

Emmanuel Gbejuade, then saw an effort well saved by Sam Gilder before Bishop’s Cleeve started to create chances of their own through Blaine Waugh and Linden Dovey.
Bishop’s Cleeve nearly took the lead straight from the restart as Jack Watts crossed to Kieran Alder in the box but the midfielder slipped on the greasy surface as he struck his shot, making it easy for Dave Saunders in the Tring goal. Tring then saw Oliver Butler and Kieran Turner have several shots on target blocked as the hosts started to really push for the opener.

It was Cleeve who made the breakthrough on the hour mark. Waugh won a freekick on the right-hand edge of the box and some pinball in the area saw the ball end up in the back of the Tring net, with Matthew Sysum deemed to have got the all-important final touch.

The goal was the turning point of the game as Cleeve started to threaten with the tireless Waugh and sub Zac Guinan, making his debut on youth loan from Cheltenham Town, causing problems for the Tring defence. Waugh’s determination led to Cleeve’s second goal when slight hesitation in the Tring defence was seized upon by him to cross to Harrison Reeves for the winger to calmly convert with eight minutes to go.

Tring hadn’t given up and it took several fine saves from Sam Gilder to prevent them forcing their way back into the game and to seal Cleeve’s 2-0 win.

Shorts
Ilford performed a giant-killing act at Barking, opening the scoring after only seven minutes, but were under some pressure until the sending-off of Barking’s Jay Leader just before half-time changed the game. In the end the 2-3 result somewhat flattered the hosts.

Barton Rovers saw off West Essex to progress after an evenly contested first half in which the first goal came from a Lewis Thomas header in added time. The second half saw the homesters on top and their dominance resulted in further goals from Sam King and Lewis Thomas against hard-working opposition.
Herne Bay were well-fancied, but fell behind in the first minute of their tie at Bedfont Sports, but had got well on top by the time they equalised through Adam Ramadan in the 33rd minute. This injected some life into Sports, who went 2-1 up through Darryl Saunders on half-time. The second half saw the Sports retain the advantage and Kevin Diamond put them 3-1 ahead and although Herne bay fought back strongly there were no further goals.

The most westerly club in this season’s FA Cup, Mousehole, were brought down to earth by higher-league Plymouth Parkway. The Cornish club’s preparations had been disrupted by Covid and it was Plymouth whose strength and composure shone through. Nevertheless Mousehole’s hopes were high when they netted after a mere 20 seconds, but their joy was short-lived as Parkway equalised in the fourth minute. After that Plymouth dominated and at times only keeper Cory Harvey was keeping Mousehole in the game. Thirty-five minutes in Parkway took an inevitable lead and though the second half saw Mousehole increase their share of possession, they didn’t really look like scoring and the game ended as a contest when Parkway scored from an 80th minute penalty through captain River Allen.
High-octane Halesown Town eased through 3-0 against Sutton Coldfield with a hat-trick from the clinical Chris Lait, Belper Town went behind after three minutes against Whitchurch, but eased through with goals from Tom Wilson (2) and Jonny Margetts, and Barnstaple came out on top in a local derby at Bideford 1-3 in which all the goals were scored in the final eight minutes, first through Al Angel Joseph, a second from Tornado Bello, and a third from Theophilus Ofori, with Buchan netting for Bideford in the dying seconds.

Daniel Ogunleye’s first senior goal for Brentwood Town was enough to see off Leighton Town 1-0 and Canvey Island came from behind to beat Waltham Abbey, who had taken a stunning top-corner lead from Ace’a Laurent, thanks to goals from man of the match Evans Kouassi and Matt Price.

Uttoxeter Town were swamped at Chasetown, fell behind after only six minutes and were never in a game that ended 7-0 to the home side. Chipstead grabbed three late goals to see off Faversham with Chris Boulter, Karn Miller-Neave, and Kieran Lavery all scoring the last six minutes for a 3-0 win.

Nathan Burke livened up City of Liverpool’s tie with AFC Emley with a stunning 35 yard strike and though Emley created several half chances they paid the price when the wonderfully named Xenon Bahula came on as sub and proved himself far from inert to bundle home a second to see Liverpool through 2-0. Cleethorpes were convincing winners over Loughborough Dynamo 3-1 in a game in which Alan Flett grabbed a goal and man of the match. A deflected Alie Bangura effort was enough to see Berkhamsted safely through at Coggeshall Town 0-1, whilst Corby and Soham must play again after a 3-3 draw which also featured a missed penalty.

Daventry Town made the mistake of taking the lead against Cambridge City through Taylor Orosz, which sparked the opposition into such life they cruised through 1-5. Veteran striker Paul Brayson’s goal only served to make the score line more respectable as Newcastle Benfield want down 1-2 to Dunston UTS for whom Lee Mason grabbed a brace. A fightback by Southend Manor from 4-1 down gave Felixstowe and Walton United a scare, but in the last few minutes Miles Powell burst forward to seal a 5-3 win.

Lichfield City took just 15 seconds to take the lead at Evesham through Regan Smith on his debut, but although Evesham were twice able to level, goals from Christian Blanchette and Felix Miles saw City go though. A 17 year-old home debutant lit up the tie between Hanwell Town and Athletic Newham. Halim Bangura on as sub’ for his skipper fired a 25-yarder past Wilkinson Boateng with his very first contribution to play in a game which Hanwell dominated and in which they ran out 5-0 winners. Frickley crashed out at home to Sunderland RCA. Despite dominating play they kept conceding and failing to reply. RCA soaked up the pressure and scored through Taylor Richardson, Mark Davison and Thomas Best to win 0-3. Marlow comfortably despatched Slimbridge 3-0, Great Wakering netted five times in an all-action tie with Heybridge Swifts and Marske banged in seven against NPL East rivals Pickering Town.

Sherwood Colliery, in front of BBC cameras, were not overawed and took little notice of Sheffield’s 148 year history in the competition with goals from Belgrave and Norcross, to which only Newsham could reply for Sheffield. Despite one way traffic from Melksham Town Shepton Mallet held out for a 0-1 win thanks to a Jack Filleringham goal. Leicester Road also caused an upset when substitute Callum Earls fired in the only goal of the game to take them through at Newcastle Town. A day of misery saw Punjab United reduced to nine men, with two sendings-off, and concede seven at Phoenix Sports including hat tricks for Lejan Ojideko and Jeff Duah-Kessie. Two goals in first ten minutes set Chichester City on the way to a 1-3 win at Winchester, whilst an 80th minute header from Dave Kendall for Ware was the only goal of the game and effectively returned Hashtag United’s interest in this season’s competition to social media.

Into the last five minutes Brighouse Town were leading at Shildon 0-1, but a penalty reprieved the home side a minute later. There was still time for a player from each side to be dismissed and for Danny Craggs to snatch a late, late winner to edge Shildon through 2-1. Whitstable Town led from the seventh minute and hammered Alfold 5-0, whilst Hebburn Town netted seven against Yorkshire Amateurs on their own pitch.

Amateur night at Mangotsfield Hall has long been a theatrical byword for a chaotic production, but Mangotsfield United proved themselves a far more organised outfit winning 2-0 against Tavistock. A wonder goal by Alex Akrofi was enough to put Maldon& Tiptree in a jam, and three first half gaols were enough to see Liversedge well on their way to a comfortable 5-0 win over Knaresborough Town.

Sorry it's late. I'm a lazy person.

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FA CUP FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND

(Sorry it's so late I might even add a bit more tomorrow!)

REPORT

Corinthian-Casuals booked their place in the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round with an emphatic win over highly-fancied Isthmian League title contenders Worthing on Tuesday night.

An opening goal from Warren Mfula was complimented with a second half Bobby Mills brace as Casuals bested their Sussex opponents 3-1 following the stalemate between the two sides at the weekend.

A replay at The United Business Group Stadium was required to decide who would face Leatherhead in the next round at Fetcham Grove. As with Saturday’s match, first blood went to Casuals, when sixteen year old Alfie Bendle put Mfula through, who then calmy ‘megged’ Harrison Male in the Worthing goal.

A blow was dealt to Casuals on the half hour mark as Mfula was taken off with a tight calf strain. Nat Pinney led the line which caused Worthing’s defence problems all evening. Supporting them were the two livewires of AFC Wimbledon loanees of Bendle and Elliott Bolton, the latter of which unlucky to see his header go narrowly over.

The second half started perfectly for James Bracken’s side when Kieron Cadogan started feeding pinpoint passes to the front three. Nat Pinney’s shot ricocheted off the inside of the post only to find Mills, who made no mistake on the rebound.

Casuals looked to kill the game but were thwarted by some excellent reflex saves from Male to keep the Mackerelmen in the tie.

A comeback seemed possible when after failing to put the game to bed, Aarran Racine’s excellent header snuck past a despairing Danny Bracken to give Worthing hope. They rocked Casuals for a few minutes, but a key chance fell to Reece Myles-Meekums who somehow blazed over when it looked easier to score.
Casuals searched for some breathing space and found it with just two minutes remaining. Again, Bobby Mills on hand to finish the tie off to a rapturous contingent behind the goal. One more heart-in-mouth moment came when Jack Tucker’s pass back eluded Bracken but came back off the post and into the keeper’ hands.
Overall, Casuals deserved their victory with fine all-round performance in a thrilling ‘magic of the cup’ contest. Casuals will travel to Leatherhead in the next round of the FA Cup to be played Saturday 18th September.

Shorts

Ashford Town recovered from a disastrous start after Tilbury took the lead after 12 seconds though Paul Roberts and gradually came back into it. Tilbury, however, remained the best side in the first half with Cameron Rohart-Browne a constant thorn in Ashford’s side. The restart saw Ashford begin to impose themselves, but it took until a 75th minute penalty from Jack French for them to pull level, yet only five minutes later Dylan Ive was smashing home their winner.

An even game at Barnstaple saw Lymington start brightly but Barnstaple also had chances through Tyler Yendle and Owen Pritchard, but although they won a series of corners Tim Stephenson in the visiting defence remained dominant. It took until the 68th minute to separate the two teams when the experienced Craig Macallister fired home for Lymington Town and despite Barnstaple dominating possession they were unable to find an equaliser.

Aylesbury looked to cruise through against Willand Rovers, taking the lead in the second minute through Jack Wood. After dominating the first half Aylesbury paid the price for wasting chances when Mani Skett volleyed home an equaliser. In the second half a Jamie Jellis penalty proved decisive for the Aylesbury and two further goals soon followed from substitute Ezra Anthonio-Forde making his case for a place in the starting line-up.

Basingstoke eased through at home to Bridgwater Utd, who played the last hour with ten men after Mike Duffy was sent off for retaliation. For the home side Conor Lynch notched a hat-trick and missed a penalty. Nick Woodrow got onto the scoresheet for Bridgewater in the 4-1 cup exit.

Bedworth haven’t been doing well in the league but they got a flying start at home to Winterton when Liam Lockett took advantage of a mix-up to net after five minutes. Winterton did equalise through Josh Walker but Bedworth were even more determined in the second half. A long throw gave Eesa Sawyers chance to put them 2-1 up and with a display of sublime skill he set himself up to net a third. A final minute half-volley from Olly Mulders sealed a welcome 4-1 win.

A late injury-time equaliser saw Bootle earn a creditable draw with higher-ranked FC United, whilst across the city, City of Liverpool progressed after a committed performance against Clitheroe. Clitheroe struck the post twice through Sefton Gonzales during a first half, which they just edged, but City took the decisive lead in the 55 minute when Freddie Potter netted from an excellent Ben Rydel cross. Despite heavy pressure towards the end Clitheroe were unable to find an equaliser and City of Liverpool progress.

It took a second half comeback for Stratford Town to avoid an upset at Carlton Town. Carlton took a deserved lead in the first half through a superb strike by Niall Davie, which made up for earlier missed chances from Nat Watson and Aaron Opoku. The second half immediately saw an unmarked Daniel Vann head his side level, but the game turned minutes later on a Carlton penalty from Nat Watson saved by O’Brian in the Stratford goal. Shortly afterwards Goals from Jaanai Gordon and Will Grocutt settled matters in Stratford's favour.

Higher-ranked Hendon fell at Corby by the only goal. Stephen Diggin had both hit the bar and come agonisingly close with a snap shot, but it was Niall Towle who spectacularly flicked home the game’s only goal.

East Thurroack came from a goal behind to knock out Cambridge City 1-3. City led from a Connor Barnes header, but Alex Hernandez converted a penalty for the visitors, to which City responded creating several first half chances, which all went begging. Within five minutes of the second half goals from Ashman and Hernandez had exacted their price.

In front of a crowd of over 700 Barwell suffered a double blow early in their tie at Chasetown. First they had a “goal” ruled out for offside, then they were reduced to ten men when Ross Oulton saw the red card for a late challenge. Chasetown’s Dilano Reid gave them the lead on the stroke of half-time. Joey Butlin doubled the lead from a free kick before a Brady Hickey penalty pulled one back for the depleted visitors.

Norwich United powered through against struggling Bury Town netting early goals through Mac Gee and Liam Jackson. After the break Harry Barker scored with a cross, Jake Chambers-Shaw netted one for Bury, but Jorden Forbes made the game safe minutes later after a good move.

Easington’s preliminary round heroics took them to Step Four Cirencester who demonstrated the gap between the sides. Goalkeeper Adam Doyle and the woodwork were responsible for the first half seeing only Ben Whitehead’s smart finish between the sides. but the second half saw him net a second before his replacement Levi Irving made it three.

A Trey Masikini double was enough to see Burgess Hill Town through as Bracknell Town’s expense. Great work from Jordi Ndozid set up a top corner beauty for the first and the second was fired through the keeper’s legs. Bracknell’s hopes of a comeback were hampered by Temi Eweka’s sending off for a reckless challenge. Anstey Nomads dominated the early stages of their game with Stone Old Alleynians with long-ball tactics but with the centre of their defence holding firm Sam Wilson’s pace enable Tomlinson to net against the run of play. Continued pressure brought no success and Stone achieved their best cup result in sixty years.

Halesowen rewarded a crowd of around 1,000 with success in an entertaining tie with Ilkeston. White smashed home a penalty on 32 minutes after a foul by Rashaan Frances and doubled the lead four minutes later after an exchange of passes. Though Zak Goodson notched for Ilkeston on 59 minutes Halesowen managed the game nicely to run out winners.

Saves from Cameron Pike weren’t enough to keep Mangotsfield United in the cup against Frome Town, who never looked likely to be made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal. Sam Gray in Ascot United’s goal pulled off some fine saves but a 64th minute goal from Nathan Gordon proved enough to see Hythe Town through. Sam Waller did his stuff between the sticks for Kendal Town against Warrington Town, even saving Josh Amis’ penalty. A Matty Grivosti goal proved decisive for Warrington but for Kendal Yahaya, Wraightes and Chris Humphrey will all rue missed chances.

Leek Town’s temporary home of Buxton’s Silverlands Stadium saw them unable to hold Mickleover, who are making a bright start to the season. At the start of the second half a well-taken goal from Andy Dales once of the Vardy Academy gave Mickleover the lead and though Leek hit the bar a couple of times Declan Bacon secured progression for the scary John MGrath’s men (I seriously would not fancy going back into a dressing room having let in a bad goal for him!)

Great Wakering Rovers stunned Felixstowe with their play on the break and pulled back a half-time deficit for a 1-3 win. Chichester also came from behind to peg back Northwood 2-3 with goals from Iordache, Haitham, and Hyde. Marske United took a different approach netting five in the first half to knock out Seaham Red Star 6-0 and Bamber Bridge took the lead after 20 minutes against West Allotment Celtic only for Paterson to equalise. Four goals in eight second half minutes effectively ended the tie and with Carney and Green both netting twice Bridge were rewarded for their long trip with a 2-7 victory.

Stamford shocked opponents from a higher-level taking down Redditch United 2-0 with goals from Cosmos Matwasa and a towering Ed Cook header. South Shields tie at Shildon AFC was locked at 1-1 when Darius Osei curled in an 84th minute cross which deceived everyone and found its way in and seconds later Shildon’s keeper was dismissed in an off-the-ball incident. The last-minute stand-in keeper still found time to be beaten and the score ended 1-3.

A spectacular overhead from Chesterfield product Jacob Hazel was just one of the four Whitby netted at Warrington Rylands. Marcus Giles demonstrated the Panenka penalty to open the scoring and Josh McDonald and Jacob Hazel with a second added the others.

In the game whose replay we featured Corinthian Casuals keeper Dan Bracken was their hero in the first tie at Worthing. Checklit opened the scoring for the Casuals and Mo Diallo equalised just 11 minutes later to set up the replay. It was the immediate impact of sub’ Marcus Maddison that made the difference for Spalding at Tividale. The cross he whipped in caused havoc and the memorably-named Stefan Broccoli was able to head home from close range.

In an all-Southern League Premier South battle Yate Town turned in a powerful performance to beat Dorchester with two goals from Oliver Mehew and one from David Sims-Burgess to which only Sam Bayston was able to reply with a tap-in following a keeping error.

Enfield Town’s admired striker Mo Faal for once wasn’t the player to make the difference in the tie with Dereham. Instead Andre Coker who troubled Dereham throughout put his side ahead from a Percy Kiangebeni cross and notched a second after good work by Cunnington. Toby Hilliard did pull one back for Dereham but Enfield progressed to the next round.

It took a last gasp winner from Nicky Dembele for Gosport to see off ten-man Plymouth Parkway 2-1. A second-half four goal blitz saw Farnborough through against Peacehaven and Telscombe 4-0. An early exchange of goals saw Harrow Boro end the first half level on 2-2 with Ramsgate, but second half goals from Ewington and Moore sealed the win for Harrow. The first half also ended 2-2 at Sunderland RCA against Stockton Town but the two goals and an assist from Kevin Hayes proved decisive for Town who ran out 2-4 winners.

It is hard to contemplate that it would take a rebound to settle a game at Giant Axe, but just past the hour mark, in a tense encounter, Lancaster City got past 1874 Northwich when Dawson’s shot was saved by keeper Aghayere, but Kilifin was on hand to net the rebound from close range and see his side through 1-0.

Brightingsea Regent’s regal progress in the league didn’t faze Leiston who came back from two goals down to win 3-2 and Kings Langley also made a late comeback to take out Romford 3-2 whose combination of Christian Adu Gyamfi and L’Heureux Menga had troubled them throughout. The creativity of Edu for Kings and two goals from Harry Crawford proved enough in the end.

A goal in the first ten saw Hebburn Town through at Ashton United, a spectacular strike from Alex Babos was all that separated Banbury United from Ardley United in a 1-0 win, and it took until the last 15 minutes for Basford United’s Marcus Marshall to get the goal to put them through 1-0, their first victory of the season.

A full-blooded red-button tie saw Lichfield City bridge a two-tier gap with Nuneaton Borough for long periods until in the last 30 minutes proved their undoing. A worldy from Ryan Edmunds of Nuneaton was the highlight of the match. Hitchin Town also bossed their game with Biggleswade running out 3-0 winners as hard work proved no match for know-how. A Jake Cass hat-trick saw Bishop’s Stortford through against ten-man Lowestoft who had Travis Cole sent off in the first half.

Loughborough Uni, who had knocked out Staveley MW, went down to two headed goals at Bromsgrove Sporting. AFC Rushden & Diamonds were effectively knocked out by Tom Berridge who scored four for Coaliville Town in a 5-2 win. Sutton Common Rovers provided upset winning 1-3 at Cray Wanderers who featured Danny Kedwell in their line-up. Goals from Murphy-McVeigh, Fernandez and Allen enabled Sutton to hold on for a shock win.

A hat-trick from former player Jonathan Margetts saw Matlock Town slide to a shock 0-3 defeat at home to neighbours Belper Town and experienced manager Jim Gannon must have been surprised to receive six of the best as his Hyde United were crushed 6-1 on his managerial debut by Morpeth Town, for whom Sean Taylor netted a 33 minute hat-trick and Jack Foalle grabbed two.

[themaclad]

Know one of the Kendal players

[Devongone]

Know one of the Kendal players

Is he one of those who missed a chance to equalise?

[Devongone]

This is where it starts to get really serious in the FA Cup. Second Round Qualifying brings in National League North and South Teams who become the new giants as some of the former giants return to being minnows. The following ties ko at 3pm on Saturday Sept 18th.

• Sutton Common Rovers v Jersey Bulls
• Abbey Rangers v Marlow
• AFC Fylde v Spennymoor Town
• AFC Sudbury v Stowmarket Town
• AFC Telford United v Stamford
• Ashford Town (Middx) v Folkestone Invicta
• Atherton Collieries v Witton Albion
• Aylesbury United v Bishop's Cleeve
• Barking v AFC Dunstable
• Basingstoke Town v Wimborne Town
• Beaconsfield Town FC v Havant & Waterlooville
• Bedford Town v Welwyn Garden City
• Bedworth United v Long Eaton United
• Belper Town v Tamworth
• Bishop's Stortford v Bowers & Pitsea
• Blyth Spartans v FC United of Manchester
• Boston United v Corby Town
• Brackley Town v Coalville Town
• Braintree Town v Billericay Town
• Broadfields United v Hastings United
• Bromsgrove Sporting v Worksop Town
• Burgess Hill Town v Dorking Wanderers
• Buxton v Rushall Olympic
• Carshalton Athletic v Ebbsfleet United
• Chelmsford City v Little Oakley
• Chertsey Town v Chesham United
• Chichester City v Maidstone United
• Chorley v Southport
• Cirencester Town v Hamworthy United
• City of Liverpool v Farsley Celtic
• Cleethorpes Town v Alfreton Town
• Colne v Guiseley
• Concord Rangers v St Albans City
• Curzon Ashton v Stockton Town
• Darlington v Chester
• Dartford v Hythe Town
• Dulwich Hamlet v Bedfont Sports
• East Thurrock United v Needham Market
• Enfield Town v Hadley
• Frome Town v Oxford City
• Gateshead v Bradford (Park Avenue)
• Great Wakering Rovers v Peterborough Sports
• Halesowen Town v Handsworth
• Hanley Town v Chasetown
• Hanwell Town v Eastbourne Borough
• Hayes & Yeading v Tonbridge Angels
• Hitchin Town v Cheshunt
• Hornchurch v Walthamstow
• Hungerford Town v Truro City
• Kings Langley v Leiston
• Kingstonian v Horsham
• Leamington v Stone Old Alleynians
• Leatherhead v Corinthian-Casuals
• Lymington Town v Hereford
• Marine v Warrington Town
• Marske United v South Shields
• Merstham v Margate
• Metropolitan Police v Farnborough
• Mickleover v Basford United
• Morpeth Town v Lancaster City
• Mossley v Radcliffe
• Nantwich Town v Banbury United
• Norwich United v Mildenhall Town
• Phoenix Sports v Redhill
• Poole Town v Chippenham Town
• Prescot Cables v Whitby Town
• Runcorn Linnets v Bamber Bridge
• Shaftesbury Town v Bath City
• Slough Town v Whitehawk
• Spalding United v Kettering Town
• Sporting Khalsa v Kidderminster Harriers
• Squires Gate v Pontefract Collieries
• Stratford Town v Nuneaton Borough
• Tiverton Town v Sholing
• Walton Casuals v Hampton & Richmond
• Ware v Hemel Hempstead Town
• Welling United v Harrow Borough
• Weston-super-Mare v Taunton Town
• Wingate & Finchley v Baldock Town
• Yate Town v Gosport Borough
• York City v Hebburn Town

• Longlevens v Gloucester City (kick off 3.00 pm Sunday)

[Devongone]

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).

[themaclad]

The Sutton Common game was on the red button the BEEB show a live game every round just as a matter of interest Berwick v amGretna in BBC Scotland in Monday night

[Lord Snooty]

Do those drawn matches go to replays still? I'm getting lost with all the new regulations that keep coming in.