The Emirates FA Cup returned this weekend and competition debutants Hollands & Blair FC celebrated in style by snatching a 90th minute winner to beat Horsham YMCA 3-2 in the extra preliminary round.
The YMs had taken a first-half lead through Sam Schaaf, but a resurgent fight-back saw the visitors twice take the lead, the final goal proving vital as Alex Armstrong struck with just seconds remaining to give them their first ever win, setting up a preliminary round meeting at home to Whyteleafe.
There was also glory for Ashby Ivanhoe on their FA Cup debut, prevailing in a 4-3 thriller against Quorn at NFU Sports Ground.
Emirates FA Cup
Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 6 August 2016
By Ross Lawson
Luke Thorogood opened the scoring for Ivanhoe, and while the visitors looked in control at 3-2, goals from Danny Quinn, James Purslow and Sam Johnson completed the historic comeback – earning a trip to Loughborough Dynamo.
Longlevens are also through to the preliminary round on cup debut, with their striking the difference in knocking out Bedfont & Feltham, despite the game being locked at 2-2 shortly after half-time.
But after being pegged back, Longlevens showed their resilience, with Dave Rich’s bullet header and a tap-in from Brad Martin sending them through with a 4-2 success, setting up a tie at Farnborough FC, who boast Football League stalwart Jamie Cureton in their ranks.
Elsewhere, Crawley Down Gatwick progressed from the undoubted tie of the round – winning 7-5 against Hailsham Town at the Beaconsfield.
Jack Divall’s hat-trick proved in vain as Hailsham missed out in the extraordinary 12-goal clash, 5-1 down at the break before launching into a second-half fight which came up just short.
There was just one goal at Westfield FC, but Lee-Van Sullivan ensured Walton & Hersham got past the extra preliminary round for a record 70th time – the most for any team not to be knocked out at the stage.
They now travel to Greenwich Borough in the next round, while neighbours Yaxley and Peterborough Sports romped to 12-0 and 8-0 victories over Huntingdon Town and Gorleston respectively.
And Ascot United also booked their preliminary round place as James Brazier and Charlie Samuels scored either side of half-time to down Milton United. They now welcome Didcot Town to the Racecourse.
Finally, there were maiden FA Cup wins for Amesbury Town and for Team Solent – who overcame Sherborne Town 2-0 and Lydney Town 6-0 – while CB Hounslow United secured their first FA Cup win with a 5-1 success over Fairford Town.
