Town Into 2nd Round of FA Vase

A first round proper tie, at home against Hadleigh United on Non-League Day, is certainly something that cannot be snuffed at.
In front of a crowd of 180, Town lined up as follows: Kirkwood, Osborne, Silford, Murphy (C), Donkor, Bryant, Towell, Fredericks, Campbell, Webb, McClelland.
The first real chance of the game came after 10 minutes, when Hadleigh had the ball in the back of the net.
The very lively Cassell whipped a ball across the face of goal and it was turned in by the captain, who was offside.
Cassell continued to cause Town problems and he tested Kirkwood who made a fine stop.
Despite Hadleigh’s chances, Town were playing well and the chances then started to come.
James Towell flicked a header wide after Tom Bryant’s shot was blocked well by Punter in the Hadleigh goal.
Then on the 25th minute, the visitors took the lead.
Some great footwork by a Hadleigh midfielder teed up Cassell, who finished smartly past Kirkwood into the far corner. A great finish, by one of the best players on the pitch.
With the way results have been going for Town, you could have seen heads dropping and Town crumbling.
But that was certainly not to be on Saturday afternoon and just 4 minutes later, Town levelled!
Tom Bryant’s dangerous corner was turned in inside the six yard box by Danny Webb! Webb’s 3rd in 3 games.
Webb continued to cause Hadleigh all kinds of problems, this time testing Punter, who made a good save to deny the Town man.
Just moments later, he fired over the bar after driving into the box, putting the burners on once more.
7 minutes before Half-Time, the Town were awarded a penalty! Archie McClelland going down in the box after a clumsy tackle from a Hadleigh defender.
Danny Webb stepped up... and tucked it away in the right corner, sending the keeper the wrong way! 2 on the day for Webb and 4 in 3!
Just after Webb putting Town in front, Kirkwood was called into action, making a fine stop to deny Cassell his second of the game.
Andrews was booked for a foul on Webb just before the break.
After the break, Town continued to dominate proceedings.
James Towell got on the end of Webb’s delivery, but he couldn’t direct the ball goal-wards.
Howlett entered the referee’s book on the 52nd minute after a cynical tackle on Campbell who had gotten away from him.
Town created more chances as the game went on. Ashton Campbell teed up Webb after tenacious work, but Webb’s effort was blocked by Punter.
Cassell was Hadleigh’s danger man throughout and he cut inside well on the 64th minute and saw his low drive pushed wide by Kirkwood.
Hadleigh’s skipper was next to enter the book for a foul on Webb.
The chances kept on coming for Town, McClelland and Campbell both having shots blocked in the area, a barrage of bodies in front of the Town frontmen.
Alfie Osborne was next to go in the book, this time for a late tackle.
Chances came and went for Town, who entertained throughout in front of a great atmosphere at Bell Close!
Danny Webb could’ve had a Hat-Trick after Campbell’s quick throw-in, but he couldn’t get it past Punter for a third time.
Town’s last chance came in stoppage time, when Archie McClelland danced through the Hadleigh defence. His shot however, was well wide, but great skill from McClelland.
That was it for Town and they progress through to the Second Round Proper of the FA Vase.
A great performance from Town, who continue their great form in the Cup.
Hopefully, the league form will pick up now and Town welcome Leverstock Green to Bell Close on Tuesday Evening!
See you there, thank you for your support!