EMIRATES FA CUP | EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND REVIEW

Plenty of great action as competitive action gets underway in 2024/25

The competitive action started for a number of our member clubs this weekend as the Emirates FA Cup got underway with the Extra Preliminary Round.

There was drama for Division One South new-boys, Helston Athletic, who were cruising at two goals to the good against Barnstaple Town, only for the home side to turn the scoreline on its head. However, Newton headed home an equaliser with just over ten minutes to go to secure a replay following a 3-3 draw.

Another team who go to a replay are Barton Rovers after they played out a 1-1 with Saffron Waldon Town. A debut goal from Cousins put the Division One Central outfit ahead only for their opponents to level matters late on.

Despite a spirited second half showing, Hadley succumbed to a 2-1 reverse at Basildon United, whilst Bemerton Heath Harlequins were held to a 1-1 home draw by Brockenhurst.

A second half strike from Josh Webber was enough to edge Bideford through at the expense of Bridgwater United in a hard-fought encounter. It was a somewhat easier passage for fellow Division One South outfit, Shaftesbury, who came home from Bournemouth 4-0 victors as Satterly, Phillips, Wood and McGrath all found the net.

There was an entertaining clash at Cinderford Town but the home side eventually went out to Nailsea & Tickenham by two goals to one. Kings Langley came from behind to force a replay at Cockfosters as it ended 1-1, whilst Evesham United will have to make the long journey up to Newcastle Town after it also ended 1-1 with Moran’s goal cancelling out a Jones opener for the visitors.

A Tom Bath goal was enough to see Exmouth Town overcome the challenge of nine-man Street in a feisty encounter in Devon. Meanwhile in Cornwall, Oscar Massey was the toast of Falmouth Town as he weighed in with four goals in a 5-0 romp against Torpoint Athletic. Webber bagged the other.

Also amongst the goals were Leighton Town who hit six without reply at FC Clacton to enjoy their day at the seaside.

It was not to be for Flackwell Heath as they slipped to a single-goal home reverse at the hands of Step 5, Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, whilst it was goalless between Hamble Club and Westbury United, which means that they have to do it all over again on Tuesday evening.

It was a dramatic finale for Bishop’s Cleeve at Highworth Town. Evans-Harriott put them ahead with around ten minutes to go and they survived plenty of pressure from the home side to make it through.

The Devon derby at Ilfracombe Town went the way of Tavistock as Prynn and skipper Harrison got the goals to see them through 2-0. Also into the next round are Leverstock Green who triumphed 3-1 over Baldock Town.

Malvern Town made home advantage count to beat Hereford Pegasus 2-1 with Harry Clark getting both goals for the Division One South side. Similarly, Melksham Town progressed as they overcame the challenge of Welton Rovers by three goals to nil.

Two goals in a four-minute first half spell cost Welwyn Garden City as they lost 2-0 at MK Irish, whilst Northwood succumbed by the same scoreline at the hands of Ashford Town (Middlesex). Also exiting the competition were Real Bedford, who lost 3-2 at home to St. Neots Town, and Bashley who succumbed to a 2-1 reverse at a Paulton Rovers outfit who were relegated out of Division One South at the end of last term.

It was goalless for Biggleswade FC at Stanstead as neither side were able to take off. Thame United had no such problems as an impressive second half display saw them chalk up a commanding 3-0 triumph over Aylesbury United.

Thatcham Town were 3-1 winners against Christchurch to deservedly make it through and Kidlington were also comfortable winners in the end to see their way past Tuffley Rovers.

A goal from Clark was enough to see Enfield through at West Essex as the Division One Central new-boys ended the game with nine men. A brace from Birthday boy, Harvey Dorothy, was enough to see Willand Rovers through as they beat AFC St. Austell 2-0.

Finally, first half strikes from Jackson and Tomlinson saw Yate Town through by two goals to nil at the expense of Holyport on what was a great day of Emirates FA Cup action.

IMAGE: Thame United FC