The FA Cup Extra Prelim Round (Season 2018-19)
Venue: Lower Road
Attendance: 113
2018-19 Season – Match 6
Saturday 11th August 2018 – 3pm KO
Hullbridge Sports: Blue & White Striped Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks
Gorleston: Green Shirts, Green Shorts, Green Socks
Late Drama swirls ‘Bridge into the next round in this roller-coaster of a match!
Report by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) with photos from Andy Wilkins (@andywilkins24)
The FA Cup returned for another season as Hullbridge welcomed Thurlow Nunn Premier side Gorleston to Lower Road. The hosts named a strong starting XI with Adebola Sotoyinbo and Michael Salako on the flanks supporting front two Aundre Spencer and captain Luke Hornsley. Gorleston fielded ex-Wroxham frontman Ross Gilfedder and Joel Watts in attack and they would be right up for this match following a midweek league win over ex-Bostik North side Norwich Utd
‘Bridge started fair well as tenacious full-back Matt Rose’s left-wing cross just eluded winger MIchael Salako as visiting goalkeeper George Parkin came out to collect. After this initial spell, the visitors came on strongly and led just after the quarter-hour as forward Joel Watts breached the back-tracking home defence and blasted an unstoppable drive past the despairing hand of home custodian George Marsh, much to the delight of the hardy band of visiting fans. Soon afterward, Gorleston had numerous oppurtunities to extend their lead though a mixture of last-ditch defending, poor finishing and good goalkeeping denied Stuart Larter’s side. Marsh himself denied Gilfedder and winger Jordan Stanton’s 25-yard speculative effort in as many minutes.
Hullbridge finished the half a bit better as on 33 minutes, Sotoyinbo’s blasted strike fizzed just over the crossbar though if anything, Darren Manning’s side sorely needed to ‘step things up a gear’ after the break.
Half-Time: Hullbridge 0 – 1 Gorleston
Unfortunately for the hosts, Gorleston started the second period in a good vein though wasteful finishing from Watts and Stanton plus a good save from Marsh denying a powerful effort, again from Watts, denied the visitors a dominant lead and you felt the tension rising in this FA Cup tie. Messrs Salako and Sotoyinbo were causing problems on the flanks though a key point of the match saw Gorleston forward Ross Gilfedder limp off with 25 minutes left with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
After that, Hullbridge slowly built some better attacks, buoyed on by an good crowd although they still looked a tad stretched in defence. Into the last ten minutes and Hullbridge were awarded a spot-kick which also resulted in the dismissal of Gorleston right-back Joel Tipple. Sotoyinbo made no mistake, slotting home into the left corner. With my objective hat on, on another day the visitors really should have been ‘home and dry’ as they say.
The hosts saw to it that that analogy meant absolutely zip on this day as substitute Nathan Scarborough first fluffed two good chances from near point-blank range. Full-back Rose showed every part of his tenacity with a brillant sliding challenge to deny visiting substitute Dino Tabakovic a good run at goal. And then…. moments after a fizzing shot crashed against the woodwork, in injury-time, Sotoyinbo sent in another low cross from the right wing which Scarborough gleefully tapped-in from close range to send the management and bulk of the crowd ectatic. ‘Bridge held on for an improbable victory though you know what they say about “you have to take your chances”.
Full-Time: Hullbridge Sports 2 – 1 Gorleston
In saying that though, I can’t just leave it there. Gorleston showed what a good, combative side they are and you had to feel for them, particularly the manner of how they exited the competition. The crowd applauded both teams off the pitch and both sides deserved as much.
Best wishes to both sides for the rest of their respective campaigns. Hullbridge face another tough test – away at fellow Thurlow Nunn Premier side Newmarket Town in the next round.
Hullbridge Sports | Manager: Darren Manning
George Marsh (GK), Matt Dicks, Phil Lawson (Andre Gumbs 59′), Luke McLeavy, Matt Rose, Jamal Allen, Emmanuel Okunja (Joe Pattison 76′), Michael Salako (Nathan Scarborough 69′), Aundre Spencer, Luke Hornsley (Capt), Adebola Sotoyinbo
Goal-scorers: Adebola Sotoyinbo [pen 83′], Nathan Scarborough [90’+2]
Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Merralls (GK), Taylor, Tapley, Cox
Gorleston | Manager: Stuart Larter
George Parkin (GK), Jack Tipple, Luke Goreham, Elliott Hannant, George Yussuff, Aarron Taylor (Capt), Nelson Carinhas, Jordan Cantwell, Ross Gilfedder (Dino Tabakovic 66′), Joel Watts, Jordan Stanton
Goal-scorer: Joel Watts [16′]
Booked: Cantwell, Tabakovic | Sent Off: Tipple
Subs Not Used: Stanley, Norton, Philpott, Coombe (GK)
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