ISUZU FA TROPHY | HADLEY STORM THROUGH

Joy for Jordan Edwards as he helps his side beat higher level opponents - first round proper draw details

It was a day to remember for Hadley of the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central on Saturday as they came from behind to beat higher level Dartford to make progress into the first round proper of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Falling behind in the opening exchanges in difficult, windy conditions, they were able to blow their Isthmian League Premier Division opponents away with their second half showing as they turned the scoreline around to prosper 2-1.

“The team played really well,” Jordan Edwards told us. “We showed great character to dig deep against strong opposition after going a goal down early on in what were horrible conditions.

“Games like these are massive for both the players and the club; helping us set new records and progress further in this national cup competition is exactly the kind of occasions you want to be involved in as a player.

“We move on to the first round proper now where a tough trip to Tilbury awaits towards the end of the month, so that is something we’re looking forward to.”

Having made the play-offs at the end of last term, the club have currently lost just one of their opening seven League games to sit within the leading pack in Division One Central.

“The season overall has been going strong,” Edwards continued. “We’ve got a versatile squad with plenty of players pushing to start each week and with the games coming thick and fast, fitness and consistency is going to play a huge role in our ambitions going forward.

“This League is always competitive – every team is capable of causing problems. So-called ‘underdogs’ are tough opponents, while the bigger clubs continue to strengthen. There’s never a dull moment, and the unpredictability makes it a really exciting League to be involved in.

“As for aims and targets, it’s always about doing our very best and pushing for the highest finish possible. From day one to the last game, including the possibility of play-offs, the aim is to give everything on the pitch.”

With a trip to Tilbury coming up on October 25th, other member clubs involved in the first round proper are Spalding United, who’s victory at Rushall Olympic at the weekend has earned them a home tie against Corby Town.

For Bromsgrove Sporting it’s another away tie, this time at Leek Town, whilst St. Ives Town, victors over Kettering Town, go to Ilkeston Town. Also heading on their travels are Stratford Town who go to Anstey Nomads.

A home tie awaits Redditch United against Gainsborough Trinity meanwhile a Worcestershire derby sees Alvechurch host Worcester City. It’s home action for Harborough Town as they welcome AFC Rushden & Diamonds, conquerors of Malvern Town in the last round.

Real Bedford are at home to Ashford United and also looking to make home advantage count is AFC Sudbury who host Premier Central rivals, Leiston. Hitting the road are Bishop’s Stortford with destination Billericay Town, as Hanwell Town go to St. Albans City.

Having come through a tense penalty shoot-out at Hayes & Yeading United, the reward for Walton & Hersham is a home clash with Hendon. Two more of our member clubs go head-to-head as Bracknell Town of the Premier South entertain Banbury United of the Premier Central.

It’s an all Premier South tie at Basingstoke Town as they lock horns with Dorchester Town and also Plymouth Parkway where Poole Town are the visitors and Gloucester City who face Havant & Waterlooville.

Another intriguing tie sees Premier South high-flyers, Farnham Town, go up against Division One South high-flyers, Bishops Cleeve. Finally, Wimborne Town host AFC Portchester.

Hadley Web Site