The magic of the Emirates FA Cup was very much alive and kicking at Westbury United on Saturday.
The Pitching In Southern League Division One South outfit produced a breath-taking comeback to beat Step 2 Oxford City of The National League North, with the winning goal coming in stoppage time at the end from Ali Sen.
Finding themselves two goals behind as half-time approached, they managed to pull a goal back just before the break and then levelled matters with just under 20 minutes left on the clock. With less than ten minutes to go, Ali Sen was unleashed from the bench and he proceeded to grab a 93rd minute winner.
It was a goal that sent the Wiltshire club into the third round qualifying for the first time in 77 years where a home tie against Farnborough of The National League South awaits.
“My emotions are all over the place,” Sen told us. “It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had in football so far. To come on and score the winner in such a massive FA Cup game means everything to me personally and the club.
“When I come on, the Gaffer just asked me to get myself about and play off seconds, so that’s what I tried to do and luckily it paid off.
“The performance of the whole team was absolutely unreal from start to finish; everyone worked their socks off and showed true character to come from behind to make it through.
“I believe we have surprised a lot of teams this season by our performances and results. I knew from pre-season that we would start well because of the desire, togetherness and work ethic that exists here within the group.
“Going into the season, I knew that Division One South would be a tough test for me personally. Everyone at this level is so sharp and technically good. However, the biggest difference I have found is the speed in transition and the way in which mistakes often get punished.
“I feel I am adapting well so far; I knew from the start there is a lot for me to learn so I just need to keep working and learning my trade.
“We know that as a team we are so close to being a top four outfit in this League. We’ve got unbelievable foundations and fundamentals; we just need to keep working on a few aspects, which will soon come and results like Saturday can really help push us on.”
Sen had his first introduction to life in the Southern League at the age of just 16 with Paulton Rovers.
“At that age it was tough for me,” he admitted. “I found the competitiveness and physical side of things hard to get to grips with so I decided to drop down a couple of levels to start enjoying my football again.
“Now that I’ve gained a bit more experience and developed physically, I’ve decided to give it another go at this level as I look to play at the highest level I can.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me here and hopefully Saturday is just the start for myself and the club.
“It’s an exciting time and we look forward to what the next round of the FA Cup holds in store, but before that our focus is on the next game.”
Elsewhere in Monday lunchtime's draw for the Emirates FA Cup third round qualifying, Leiston face a home clash with either Chasetown or Banbury United, whilst Quon head to Enfield Town. There will be a home tie for Needham Market against Mulbarton Wanderers or Witham Town, meanwhile if Bury Town overcome the challenge of Woodford Town in their replay, they will host St. Albans City.
There's an interesting match-up at Harborough Town as they welcome Phil Brown's Peterborough Sports, as Alvechurch's reward for beating Leamington in the previous round is a home encounter with Chelmsford City. Spalding United have been drawn at their new-look home to face the winner of Bedford Town and Dagenham & Redbridge, whilst Royston Town will host King's Lynn Town.
If Evesham United beat Racing Club Warwick in their replay, they will go to AFC Telford United and if Halesowen Town prosper against Grimsby Borough, a home clash with Aveley awaits. Stamford AFC head to Sutton Coldfield Town, who beat Stourbridge on Saturday, whilst Wimborne Town will have home advantage against either Jersey Bulls or Worthing. Premier South rivals, Farnham Town and Dorchester Town, lock horns as Hungerford Town go to either Whitsable Town or Chichester City.
It's home advantage for Sholing against Eastbourne Borough in what is sure to be a keenly-contested tie, Poole Town await the winners of the Taunton Town and Weston super Mare replay, likewise a replay is needed to determine whether it will be Shaftesbury or Frome Town who go to AFC Totton. Division One Central Flackwell Heath welcome Bracknell Town of the Premier South and finally, Walton & Hersham entertain Chippenham Town, conquerors of Gloucester City at the weekend.
Tie are to be played on the weekend of Saturday, September 27th 2025. Good luck to all of our member clubs still involved.
IMAGE: Martin Pearce
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