The FA Cup Prelim Round (Season 2018-19)
Venue: Cricket Field Road
Attendance: 124
2018-19 Season – Match 9
Saturday 25th August 2018 – 3pm KO
Newmarket Town: Green Shirts, Green Shorts, Yellow Socks
Hullbridge Sports: Blue & White Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks
Last-gasp winner sends ‘Bridge out of the FA Cup
Report by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
The FA Cup continued this weekend as we entered the Preliminary Round of the competition as Hullbridge of the Essex Senior League travelled to Thurlow Nunn Premier side Newmarket Town. Hullbridge named a strong side with a three-man central defence made up of Phil Lawson, Andre Gumbs and club stalwart Sam Taylor. Luke Hornsley and Nathan Scarborough were among the forwards in an attack-minded XI. Newmarket, aka the Jockeys named Shaun Avis and Rhys Thorpe in attack with Joe Bennett and Blaze Kicks on the flanks and player-manager Michael Shinn marshalling the midfield.
In the early stages of the contest, the match was more known for full-blooded challenges going in, another reminder of just how precious this match was for both clubs. The hosts were fairly lively in attack and on seven minutes, a Jockeys free-kick was well parried by the ever-impressive ‘Bridge stopper George Marsh. Darren Manning’s side had to be alert at the back as both Phil Lawson and Sam Taylor made good interceptions on the stroke of 20 minutes.
Straight after that, visiting winger Adebola Sotoyinbo curled a sweet strike just over the right corner crossbar. On the half-hour mark, the hosts showed their attacking intent again though right winger Blaze Kicks’ cross was too deep and harmlessly fizzled wide. Into the last ten minutes or so of the first half now and Hullbridge midfielder Matt Tapley’s dipping free-kick was parried, slightly hurriedly by home custodian Andy Archer.
Soon afterwards, Newmarket centre-back Nathan Clarke’s towering header from a long throw provoked a corner which Marsh once again dealt with well, punching clear. Six minutes before the break, the visitors led through a surging run by midfielder Daniel Okah who tapped home after breaking past the home defence. At this point, it was a lead they probably merited.
However, before the half was done, Jockeys captain Jack Watson and forward Shaun Avis both failed to find the target.
Half-Time: Newmarket Town 0 – 1 Hullbridge Sports
I should give a mention to the entertaining home mascot as well who certainly ‘earned his keep’. Joking aside, it is always nice to see friendly clubs and the hosts here have to join that list, in my opinion.
Back to the match and after the interval, the hosts looked the brighter of the two sides. Avis was again in the action, forcing a save out of Marsh nine minutes into the second period. Moments later, the over-worked Marsh remained composed to deny home full-back Jack Whiting’s powerful drive which the goalkeeper did well to hold on to as well. Forward Rhys Clarke’s 20-yard curling effort also needed Marsh’s intervention soon after.
Around the hour mark, Sotoyinbo & attacking midfielder Aundre Spencer both blazed decent chances wide for the visitors though for the most part, it was a torrent of possession for the hosts. On 68 minutes, Avis should have scored but his header cannoned off the post from which Marsh could gather. Three minutes later, Marsh did well to tip Thorpe’s effort over the bar and you would be forgiven for thinking ‘it may be the visitors’ day’
Not so, as in the last 15 minutes of this encounter, the pendulum swung. With 12 minutes left, Hullbridge substitute Joe Pattison careered a curling drive over the bar and by this stage the chances were drying up for the visitors. The Jockeys finally did strike on 81 minutes as Avis grabbed a tap0in after a good ball in from the right flank. On the cusp of the 90, ‘bridge substitute Jimmy Cox’s shot was blocked though in added-time, the hosts sealed the comeback as midfielder Michael Shinn’s free-kick hit the post though Avis reacted fastest to tuck home his second of the afternoon.
For me, Jack Whiting, Nathan Clarke and Shaun Avis stood out for the hosts today while for the visitors, centre-back Sam Taylor and goalkeeper George Marsh both had stand-out performances.
Full-Time: Newmarket Town 2 – 1 Hullbridge Sports
Town held on to claim a priceless win and I’d like to wish them the best for the next round & the rest of their season. Thank you to them as well for their hospitality as well. Best wishes to Hullbridge for the remainder of the season, they are back in league action on Tuesday where they face St Margaretsbury at Lower Road.
Teams
Newmarket Town | Player-Manager: Michael Shinn
Alex Archer (GK), Jacob Partridge, Jack Whiting, Michael Shinn, Nathan Clarke, Tyrone Allene, Blake Kicks, Jack Watson (Capt), Rhys Thorpe (Joshua Lowe 90’+3), Shaun Avis, Joe Bennett
Goal-scorers: Shaun Avis [81′ & 90’+2]
Booked: Clarke, Watson | Subs Not Used: Newman, Antoine, Gomarsall
Hullbridge Sports | Manager: Darren Manning
George Marsh (GK), Sam Taylor, Phil Lawson, Andre Gumbs (Matt Dicks 63′), Matt Rose, Daniel Okah, Matt Tapley, Aundre Spencer (Joe Pattison 69′), Nathan Scarborough, Luke Hornsley (Capt) (Jimmy Cox 85′), Adebola Sotoyinbo
Goal-scorers: Dan Okah [39′]
Booked: Gumbs, Sotoyinbo, Rose, Okah |
Subs Not Used: Merralls (GK), Hales, Hodgson, Salako
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