Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Qualifying Review

Division One South and Central clubs set out on the Wembley trail

There was no action in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South or Central as attention turned to Isuzu FA Trophy matters in the first round qualifying.

High-flying Bedford Town are through but they were made to work hard to earn their 3-2 success at Aylesbury United.

It was a day of mixed fortunes for the two Biggleswade clubs as Biggleswade FC prospered 3-1 against Stowmarket Town whilst Biggleswade Town went down 3-2 at home to Bury Town.

There was an all Division One South clash at Bishops Cleeve as they swept aside Paulton Rovers by six goals to one. It was a result which left the Bishops Cleeve ‘Ultras’ wild with delight (pictured). Two League rivals also went head-to-head at The Lawns where Cribbs edged a five-goal thriller against Bideford 3-2.

Another all Division One South clash saw new manager, Ollie Cherrett, watching on as his new side, Bashley, triumphed 8-7 on penalties at Evesham United after it had ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

There was also a penalty shoot-out at Exmouth Town as they beat high-flying Wimborne Town 5-3 following a goalless stalemate, whilst Frome Town removed Division One Central outfit, Cirencester Town 3-1.

Hadley enjoyed a good 4-1 victory over League rivals, Ware, and Hamworthy United will be feeling similar satisfaction after they beat Melksham Town 3-0.
Hertford Town are through to the next round after they beat Grays Athletic 3-2 whilst Barton Rovers went out of the competition by the same scoreline at Heybridge Swifts.

A 2-0 triumph saw Kidlington overcome the challenge of North Leigh as Kings Langley succumbed at home to Cambridge City by two goals to one.

Another all Division One South clash saw Larkhall Athletic enjoy the bragging rights as they beat Willand Rovers 2-0. Meanwhile Leighton Town were 3-1 victors over Kempston Rovers.

Division One South leaders, Mousehole, enjoyed another away day, even though their game at Malvern Town had to be delayed for half-an-hour due to their late arrival. They won 4-2 in a game which saw them race into a two-goal lead only to be pegged back to 2-2 before grabbing two late goals.

Stotfold lost by the odd goal at Redbridge, whilst Thame United were well-beaten on home soil at the hands of Badshot Lea.

Another penalty shoot-out came at Thatcham Town where Bristol Manor Farm won 3-1 having played out a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes. There were eight goals at Waltham Abbey as they beat Ipswich Wanderers 6-2 and another eight goals came at Welwyn Garden City who lost 5-3 at home to Basildon United.

The final two games of our round-up saw Westbury United and Bemerton Heath Harlequins involved in another goal-feast as Harlequins won 5-2. There were only two goals at Yate Town and they both went to Tavistock AFC who progressed into the next round with a 2-0 triumph to heap more misery on the home side.