Back to back cup exits for the Millers

North Leigh threw away a comfortable 3-1 lead in Saturday's FA Trophy match as a resilient 2nd half from Basingstoke saw them progress to the next round.

North Leigh FC were drawn away to Basingstoke Town FC in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Trophy. However, due to fixture congestion at Basingstoke’s home ground, the match was played at Eynsham Park with the Millers taking the away dressing room and playing in their away strip.

A couple of changes were made in the starting eleven, a welcome return at centre back for club captain Ben Brown from injury and a first start of the season for local lad Rory Linford-Pill.

Basingstoke started the game brightly, with early chances falling their way as a result of defensive errors from the Millers. The visitors taking a deserved lead on 10 minutes, a well-worked free kick routine saw the ball lofted to the left of the box, volleyed first time back across the goal and tucked home by Zachary Robinson.

The Millers roared back into the tie thanks to a brace of penalties. The first coming on the quarter hour mark. Josh Dutton-Black unleashed a fierce volley on goal, which was judged to have been blocked by a hand on the line. Ekow Elliott stepped up to the mark and confidently found the top left corner. Just before the half hour mark another corner found Adam Learoyd, whose header hit the crossbar with the rebound falling to Aaron Woodley who was hacked down in the box. Elliott once again finding the back of the net.

The remainder of the half played out in typical cup fashion, with opportunities at both ends. Lance Williams and Elliott both had chances to extend the Millers advantage; whilst at the other end, Eddie Cavanagh was forced into a couple of good saves.

The Millers putting bodies on the line for the cause, in order to maintain their advantage.

Into the second half and North Leigh made an excellent start with Williams getting on the score sheet with 50 minutes on the clock. His header had too much power for the Basingstoke keeper to stop and it trickled over the line from the half save.

That was as good as the afternoon got for the Millers.

The Basingstoke turn around started on the hour mark. A corner into the North Leigh area wasn’t dealt with and, after bouncing around, Scott Armsworth fired home through the crowd. Five minutes later and the equaliser arrived, Riccardo Andrady lofting a smart ball over the back line for Robinson to run on to and fire between Cavanagh’s legs. They took the lead on 72 minutes as Robinson turned Brown in the area and crossed for Benjamin Wright to head home from 6 yards.

In the blink of an eye the incredible comeback was complete.

The Millers looked hard for a leveller in the final 20 minutes, but were unable to create a clear opportunity. It was actually Basingstoke who should have made the game safe, but were unable to convert a couple of clear opportunities; shooting high and smashing the cross bar.

North Leigh joint managers Craig Dore and Darren James will no doubt be disappointed after seeing their team let a 3-1 lead slip, and also an early FA Trophy exit. However, they and the team will need to dust themselves down and get ready to go again on Tuesday night as Banbury United make the short trip to Eynsham Park in the Southern League Challenge Cup.

North Leigh Match Report