John Walker's Match Report

Fakenham Town (FAC Replay) (A)

08-08-2023

They then began the second half well with Goff having to save smartly from Jake Watts before the same home player shot across the face of goal after his pace had taken him around the last defender. The lively Williams had a shot blocked as St Neots came back into the game, and then after 68 minutes St Neots found a foothold back into the contest as substitute Lorrell Smith produced a smart finish after an attack down the left flank.Now St Neots looked more comfortable but both sides seemed happy to slow the pace and wait for an opening. Substitutes broke up any pattern of play and the match moved into extra time.

St Neots created the first chance, but Williams shot across the face of goal before the Referee played a significant advantage after a home player had been fouled near the half-way line.He waved play on with the home side in possession catching the St Neots defence slow to turn and Jake Watts took full advantage to beat Goff with a low shot eight minutes into the first period of added time. That signalled a St Neots offensive in a bid to retrieve their position, but the home side funnelled back and defended well making it difficult for the visiting attack.Substitute Tom Rowley twice tested the home keeper, but Fakenham held out to take their place in the next round.

St Neots Town: Goff, Reynolds, Nickels, Romero, Brown, Lincoln, Johnson, Myembe, Lawless, Hatch, Williams

Subs: Smith (for Lawless 57 mins), Rowley (for Johnson 80 mins), Ajana (for Reynolds 85 mins). Barnett, and Dean.

Cards: Brown (Y – 42 mins), Romero (45+1 min), Hatch (Y – 65 mins), Mawer (Y – 105 mins).

Fakenham Town: Pearson, Rasberry, Field, Whiteley, Young, Beazer, Terry, Sturmer, Watts, Guyton, Mulhill

Subs: Poore (for Sturman 88 mins), Banda (for Guyton 90 mins), Malenguka (for Watts 114 mins), Edwards, Field, Andrews and Gauntlett.

Cards: Sturman (Y – 42 mins), Terry (Y – 45 mins)

Attendance: 236

Referee: Andrew Wilson (Kings Lynn)

(John Walker)