Bedford Town 1-3 Welwyn Garden City
Welwyn Garden City continued their fine form in the FA Cup, putting division rivals Bedford Town to the sword in a comfortable display.
Bedford started the game the brighter, controlling the possession and trying to bring forward Craig Mackail-Smith into the game, but as has become a common feature throughout this run, WGC always looked dangerous on the break. But it was a Bedford Town defensive error that allowed the away side to take the lead on 20 minutes, when, trying to overplay at the back, an opportunity was handed to Jordan Watson to take the ball into the box and fire past a stricken Alex Street in the home goal. The pattern of the first half returned with Bedford trying to play good football and WGC harassing them and counter-attacking, but no more goals were forthcoming before the break.
The second half started in much the same fashion, but a strong WGC defence kept the home side at bay and reduced to long shots, until just before the hour, when a lovely attacking move between Mackail-Smith, Connor Tomlinson and Matt Harriot ended with the latter firing home to draw the sides level. The momentum was with the home side, and they should have pushed on.
But instead, the equaliser revived WGC, who started applying more pressure. Another defensive mistake, where Shaun Keane tried to play a cross-field ball without looking, fell to Jordan Kinoshi who drove into the box and fired his side in front once again. Bedford tried to get themselves back into it, but had the stuffing taken out of them just five minutes later when some more slow defending allowed Matty Campbell-Mhlope to pick up his own rebound and fire the away side into the next round. The game finished quietly, and apart from a misfire by Mackail-Smith Bedford failed to put any fight into the final 15 minutes.
Welwyn Garden City will travel to Bromsgrove Sporting in the next round.
Martyn Green, @TheUntoldGame
Sutton Common Rovers 2-2 Jersey Bulls
This was a tie between a team I’d already seen in this year’s competition hosting a team that’s been making waves; the top scorers in the FA Cup this season to date. The Commoners versus The Bulls at the home of League Two’s Sutton United. On a lovely warm late-summer’s day in South London there was No Jacket Required for this live BBC stream.
I like Jersey Bulls style. As they said when launching in 2018, “Jersey may be most famous for its cows, but they’d be nowhere without the bulls.” After a cagey start from both sides, Jersey ably demonstrated that you can’t beat a bit of Bully by going 2-0 up with a header from Luke Campbell after 36 minutes and a decent strike from Sol Solomon in the 40th minute. The travelling support voiced its approval. Beany The Bull danced his approval. Or perhaps he was thinking of all the cows.
At Face Value this was a pretty fair scoreline. The Commoners simply couldn’t keep hold of the ball with pass after pass going astray, gifting possession back to The Bulls. However, just when it seemed that the Commoners were Throwing It All Away, against the run of play there was hope. Ryan Dacres-Smith pulled one back for Sutton in the 42nd minute. A short corner didn’t come to much but the follow-up cross saw Dacres-Smith hit the net with an unchallenged header.
Half Time 1-2, in what was becoming a cracker of a lunchtime fixture.
After the break Both Sides were determined to Turn It On Again with an impressive, lively start to the second half. The Commoners passing and movement improved and the entertainment value continued with some high quality end to end action. In the 49th minute there was a slick move the full length of the park from The Bulls resulting in a finish that was just wide. I was really enjoying this cup tie.
65 minutes. 2-2! A great bit of skill down the right wing saw a decent cross and another header, this time from Kyle Henry. The Bulls then had an effort disallowed with a close but probably correct off-side call. There was about 5 minutes of route one stuff from both teams and pressure from both Commoners and Bulls to find the winner. Sutton survived a last minute goal-mouth scramble and we ended where we started, all square.
A really enjoyable match for the crowd of 322 and shout-out to the Sutton debutant goalie, Mackenzie Foley, who produced a number of fine stops.
And so to the replay….It’ll be Another Day In Paradise for the trip to Jersey Bulls’ Springfield Stadium. The prize is a place in the third qualifying round to be played over the first weekend of October.
David Johnson @PlanetDAJ. This report first appeared on https://longandwindingroadtowembley.blogspot.com/
Jersey Bulls 3-2 Sutton Common Rovers
Sol Solomon produces an scintillating display as he took Jersey Bulls to within two rounds of the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup versus Sutton Common Rovers.
In a match which was scheduled to be played on the islands of Jersey, was switched back to South London following an FA ruling, Sutton took the lead via their captain.
But it was the Bulls who took the half time lead, first with a goal from striker Prince and then a header by Campbell
It was then left to individual brilliance Solomon, The FA Cup’s leading scorer this season with nine goals, to score one of the goals of the tournament with a back heeled flick from a whipped in cross from the right to send the home-away fans into raptures.
The 20-year old, set to go to university later this month, has won plaudits from across the UK mainland but told @MyRoadtoWembley after the game he would be “back for the third qualifying round on Saturday October 2nd”.
Jersey Bulls are playing in their first ever FA Cup tournament having been denied International status by FIFA.
Jersey Bulls will play Chertsey Town in the next round.
Tom Nicolson @MyRoadtoWembley
Frome Town 2-1 Oxford City
The big match on a sunny autumn day was met with an energetic atmosphere at Badgers Hill, as big underdogs Frome Town faced Oxford City (two tiers above). The Hoops started the game quickly, as they pushed Frome back early on. They thought they had been rewarded as a through ball was latched onto by Joe Iaciofano, who thought he had opened the scoring, slotting it neatly past the goalkeeper, before in comical fashion Harvey Bradbury tapped it in as it was about to go over the line, only to be flagged for offside! Frome continued to absorb the early pressure well, and following a clearance, James Ollis found himself through on goal, before calmly slotting home to make it 1-0 to the hosts. Cupset on the cards! With Oxford City struggling to get back momentum, Frome found themselves counterattacking again, and following some neat play on the right wing, found left back Joe O’Loughlin in acres of space on the left, who set himself before unleashing an emphatic strike into the bottom right corner – 2-0 to Frome! Oxford started the second half well, and eventually got back into the game as Benyon nodded in a floated cross from the left. However, thanks to some resolute defending and game-management, Frome held on to their lead to run out shock-winners, progressing through to the third qualifying round, where they will travel to Bath City on 2 October. This is what the FA Cup is all about!
Frome Town travel to Bath City in the next round.
Tom Nicolson @MyRoadtoWembley
Great Wakering Rovers 3-5 Peterborough Sports
The 2nd qualifying round of the FA Cup took me back nearer home with a visit to Burroughs Park, the home of Great Wakering Rovers who ply their trade in the Isthmian League North Division (step 4 of the non-league tier)with their cup tie against Peterborough Sports who play in the Southern League Premier Division Central (step 3).
The weather was warm with a slight breeze but nothing that might have troubled the players or the 157 crowd who attended. History was in the making as this was the furthest that the home side had ever gone in their FA Cup history. The match kicked-off at 3pm and within 9 minutes, Dan Jarvis had given the away side an early lead with a deflected shot. That lead was to double 5 minutes later, a lovely ball across the pitch found Dion Sembie Ferris who did well to bring it down and travel into the box with his shot taking a deflection from Jake Pitty on its way into the back of the net.
This seemed to galvanise the home side and in the 25th minutes a cross-come-shot from Shaye McKenzie-La-Rose having the Sports keeper worried, but the ball went just wide. Three minutes later, good work from Sam Carter where he battled to win the ball then lay it off to Charlie Morris. He attempted a shot from a tight angle, but again the ball went wide.
It wasn’t all one-way traffic though and Peterborough Sports had a shot that went wide in the 35th minute. The match continued to ebb and flow, and in the 41st minute, Charlie Morris scored with a fantastic header for Rovers after a lovely ball into the box from Sam Dulieu. Half-time followed with the score 1-2.
Rovers came out strongly after the break, and 3 minutes after the restart Connor Martin crossed in from the left to Mitchell Gilbey who headed in from close range. 2-2. Rovers were now back in it. The purple patch continued and only a save by the Sports goalkeeper stopped Mitchell Gilbey scoring in the 52nd minute. 5 minutes later a shot by Peterborough Sports was saved by the Rovers’ goalkeeper.
On the 60th minute, what appeared in be an innocuous challenge in the Rovers box, saw the referee give a penalty which was against the run of play at the time. Dan Lawlor stepped up an slotted the penalty away. 2-3 to the away side. At this point, Sports started to come back more into the match. 8 minutes later, a cross in from the right hand side saw Dan Jarvis score his 2nd with a firm strike into the bottom left-hand corner. 2-4. On the 76th minute, Dan Jarvis tried to score another for his hat-trick but the ball sailed over the bar.
Two minutes later, Jordan Nicholson scored to make it 2-5. A sixth goal for Peterborough Sports was only denied by deflections and then a shot which just shaved the Rovers post. In the 84th minute, Rovers scored what proved to be a consolation goal, and their 3rd of the afternoon. A brilliant strike by Sam Carter from outside the box into the top corner for what was probably the goal of the game. An absolute stunner giving the Sports goalkeeper absolutely no chance at all. The last 5 minutes saw valiant attempts by Rovers to try and clawback the deficit: in the 90th minute, a header from Sam Vyse hitting the crossbar and the subsequent shot cleared off the line. 90+1 saw a shot from Charlie Morris saved wonderfully by the goalkeeper and a diving header from Martin Tuohy at the far post just whistling over the bar.
A great game this afternoon which epitomised what the FA Cup is all about. Final score: Great Wakering Rovers 3 Peterborough Sports 5. The second time this scoreline had been recorded on my Road to Wembley journey this season. The 3rd qualifying round will be held over the weekend of 2nd October and will continue with Peterborough Sports with the draw being made on Monday 20th September.
Peterborough Sports will play Dunstable in the next round
Steve Street @SteveStreet71
Halesowen Town 1-3 Handsworth
After watching Handsworth in the previous three rounds , all home fixtures on their artificial surface, it is clear they are not overwhelmed by strong opposition and higher league clubs. Today saw them travel away for the first time in this competition after three home victories. Their hosts ,Halesowen Town from the Northern Premier League Midland division are riding high in their league with an impressive start to the season, unbeaten in all games.
With no previous history of meeting in the FFA Cup this was a first although Halesowen recent record in the fa cup topped the Sheffield team making progress beyond this round in the last two seasons and also reaching the first round proper within their history. With confidence riding high for both teams expectation was high, reinforced by the 858 supporters at Halesowen’s wonderful ground, with their covered shed end and open terracing on two sides. A warm late summer match day welcomed the teams and fans. Approaching the ground , a warm welcome was given to everyone and well before kick off supporters were mingling and enjoying a drink and food , looking forward to the game. The terraces were friendly and inviting to spectators of both teams and the many neutrals following the magic of the FA cup.
As in the three previous ties Handsworth started slowly, weighing up their opposition and allowing the hosts the biggest part of possession and conceding territory by defending deep. Halesowen attacked from the start and with two tricky wide players willing to run at full backs , chances were created with crosses into the danger area of the penalty boxes. The two Handsworth full backs were in for a tough afternoon but they stuck to their task throughout. The wings may have been exposed but the spine of the Handsworth team through the centre stood tall and as always blocked and broke up any threatening attacks.
As Handsworth settled they began to make inroads into the Halesowen defence and provided enough evidence that their attacking players could open up the hosts. As Halesowen failed to capitalise on their possession, Handsworth started to string some strong passages of play with calm and patient build up. With the tie heading towards the half time break, as in previous games Handsworth capitalised on another defensive mix up, a common feature. As two Halesowen defenders managed to tackle each other Kane Reece pounced putting the Ambers 1-0 up into the half time break. Handsworth are becoming masters of drawing their opponents in to attack and then through their resilience and patience, taking their chances whenever they appear. Their attacking players have too much in their locker to not take advantage of poor defensive play.
With a magnificent vocal support Halesowen came out in the second half with a sense of urgency to get back in the game, but time and time again in the first ten minutes, they opened up the Handsworth defence only to find the keeper Ben Townsend in fine form, punching, parring and catching all efforts from the Home team’s forwards. Out of the blue on the hour, the magic of the cup turned once again towards the Sheffield team. With their number 9 Sam Smith receiving the ball in the centre circle he took a speculative punt towards the home goal and watched as the ball flew over the helpless keeper and into the net. A goal as good as any seen in this historic trophy over its 150 year history and one that will be savoured in Handsworth folklore. With a 2-0 lead it would only test their defensive resolve even more. Their steely Yorkshire grit grew and anything thrown in their direction was handled with great control.
Halesowen deserved a break and when Robbie Bunn reduced the arrears, eventually beating the excellent Townsend a grandstand finish was set up, with a raucous home crowd giving their team every backing to get back on level terms. However, as Halesowen forced more players forward Handsworth were able to create chances of their own, with their centre forward and wide players willing to attack despite the closeness of the game. Their brave play brought them another deserved reward, with jamie Oliver tormenting the full back and creating Sam Smith his second goal of the game. Wild scenes of celebration and delight from the whole Handsworth team and supporters ensued. With Halesowen well beaten, Handsworth played out the match and deserved their winning journey into the third qualifying round of this monumental competition.
Without doubt, both teams deserve full credit for their efforts this afternoon. Everything about this tie gave credit to the competition. The home club Go out of their way to be a welcoming club, the ground is full of nostalgia, their supporters are the most vocal and truly behind their team from the first to final whistle. Their applause to the visitors at the end of the game was a shining light on this club and demonstrated their appreciation of a great game of football. And they still play on grass! Finally, there was no whining and complains to the officials who were allowed to quietly get on with their jobs and as always deserve great credit for their calm approach. I am sure the journey home was one to savour. Wembley, Wembley
Handsworth will travel to Pontefract Collieries in the next round.
Andy Davis @Spireite1964
Merstham Town 4-1 Margate
Our challenge took us to the home of Merstham Town FC and the brilliantly named Whisky Bible Stadium, as they took on Margate for a place in the FA cup third round qualifying.
With both teams plying their trade in the Isthmian Premier Division, Early league positions would have the Margate faithful fancying their chances of a win. But it was a very organised home team and a quick second half double, that put Merstham in the hat for the next round.
There was a cagey start to the game, with Margate having most of the possession. But struggled to find a way through an organised Marstham, who were being marshalled at the back by the very impressive James Richmond.
But as the half when on, Margate did managed to create some space and with it the first chance of the game. On 20 minutes, Margate’s James Bessey-Saldanha managed to beat him marker on the left wing and put a teasing cross into the Merstham area. Only for Sam Blackman to head straight at the keeper.
But this failed attempt resulted in the home side opening the scoring. Merstham’s Keeper, Toby Bull, sent a long ball down field. Margate’s Ben Swift misjudged his header, to send Serge Makofo through on goal, where he confidently slid the ball under the Margate keeper to put Merstham 1 up.
The rest of the half carried on as it had before the goal. Margate controlling possession, but still finding it hard to create, with there only outlet coming from Bessey-Saldanha. Who twice managed to cut inside from the left to get a shot away. But both attempts didn’t cause the well positioned Bull any problems.
Finally, 2 minutes before half time. Margate got themselves back into the game through Montel Agyemang. For the first time there seemed to be some space in the midfield and Agyemang took full advantage, picking up the ball and driving towards Merstham’s goal, before placing the ball in the bottom right corner from 25 yards. Meaning the teams went in at half time 1 a piece.
The beginning of the second half kept to the same theme as the first. Margate controlling possession, but struggling to create against an very hard working Merstham team. But then, 2 goals in the space of 6 minutes put the game out of Margate’s reach.
The first coming after some good work form Merstham’s Tahjae Anderson. Using his strength to hold up the ball, Anderson then did well to create some space for himself on the right and put an in swinging cross into the Margate area, which avoided everyone and the ball found it’s way into the far corner. 2-1.
6 minutes later and Merstham made it 3-1. Chace Jacquart found himself in yards of space and had the time to put a lovely ball through to the ever lively Reyon Dillion, who had managed to time his run perfectly, beating the offside trap, to fire his shot across the keeper and find the bottom left corner.
After that Merstham were in complete control and soaking up the visitor’s pressure, with relative ease and with 10 minutes to go, they wrapped up the win with the best goal of the game.
The ever dangerous Dylan Adjei-Hersay skipped inside his marker, from the left hand side and struck a beauty of a strike into the far top corner, to fire Merstham into the next round of the cup.
Merstham Town will host Hereford in the next round.
@3men_football are following the Road to Wembley in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Please give to the cause here
Carshalton Athletic 1-2 Ebbsfleet United
Onto the Philadelphia-leg of my Saturday FA Cup double-header and it was over to the 3G pitch at Carshalton Athletic for the meeting of The Fleet and Carshalton’s Robins.
Carshalton Athletic has an impressive focus on community with several junior teams, an extensive community programme and awards galore including a UEFA European Community Club silver award. The community and family ethos is clear around the ground and the tie had a real family-friendly feel. Formally registered in 1905, the club moved to their current home after World War I, dedicating The War Memorial Sports Ground to members of the club who lost their lives in the conflict.
Roy Hodgson has connections with both clubs, from 1969 to 1971 playing for Gravesend & Northfleet (Ebbsfleet’s previous club name until 2007), and from 1974 to 1976 ending his playing career with The Robins. His management career then took in a zoological smorgasbord including Throstles, Little Zebras, Grasshoppers, more Robins, a big Grass Snake, Lions, Eagle Owls and Three more Lions before calling it a day in 2021 after 4 years just down the road with The Eagles. Not the band.
To the delight of most of the 497 crowd Danny Bassett opened the scoring for Carshalton in the 7th minute after a smart move down the left hand side and a couple of neat touches in The Fleet’s box. It was 1-0 to The Robins, but the lead lasted a mere 5 minutes until a defensive mix-up and mis-timed tackle resulted in a penalty to Ebbsfleet. Lloyd Thomas pulled off a quality save but The Fleet’s skipper, Rakish Bingham, knocked the rebound home to make the scoreline 1-1. It always felt like there was another goal coming with action at both ends in a lively first half, but at the break it remained all square.
The second half followed in the same vein. Both sides were pressing for the win with half-chances, near-misses and some decent saves keeping the scoreline at 1-1. An 85th minute free-kick saw Carshalton come close with a header just past the post. Some vigorous defensive clearances put the windows of the nearby girls’ school in danger.
But it was Ebbsfleet who struck the decisive winner in the 88th minute just when it seemed likely a replay was on the cards. A quick break through midfield and some one-touch play in the box saw Elliott Romain slot home the winner. A late flurry from The Robins couldn’t rescue the draw and it was Ebbsfleet United through to the third qualifying round.
Ebbsfleet United travel to Aylesbury United in the next round.
David Johnson @PlanetDAJ. This report first appeared on https://longandwindingroadtowembley.blogspot.com/
