Town Through To FA Cup Preliminary Round

Town came into the game after a strong pre-season, with 4 wins and 2 draws, the draws coming against higher level opposition.
The game got underway and Town immediately set out on the front foot, Ashton Campbell causing the visitors problems early on, our wide on the left.
Town nearly shot themselves in the foot with 9 minutes on the clock, as Abingdon’s striker broke clear of the backline, but was denied from a one-on-one by the big palms of resident shot-stopper, Brad Kirkwood.
Carl Resch seemed to pick up an injury midway through the first period and he was replaced by the versatile, Alfie Osborne.
Abingdon’s 11 was the first name in the referee’s book for a nasty challenge on Kirkwood, just before Ashton Campbell drilled a strike into the palms of the visitors goalkeeper.
On 37 minutes though, Town found a breakthrough. A whipped cross from Tom Silford found the feet of Archie McClelland, who slotted home from inside the area, to put Town one-nil up!
Like Buses, it was two just four minutes later! This time a brilliant ball fired in low from James Towell was converted by the lively McClelland again!
Town continued to apply pressure in the second half, with Connor Calcutt going close just after the restart!
James Towell could’ve opened his account for the season when he fired a cracker of a strike from the edge of the box just wide!
The skipper, Jordon Frederick, entered the referee’s pocket-book on 55 minutes after a late challenge in the centre of the park and just 10 minutes later, Connor Calcutt followed suit, but no-one in the ground understood why.
With the game looking comfortable for Town to see it, Sweeney and Copson looked to the bench. Ashton Campbell was replaced by Brian Foulger.
On 77 minutes, James Towell did open his account for the season! He found himself in space on the edge once again and curled a beautiful finish into the bottom right corner!
Archie McClelland, who had a fantastic evening, was replaced by fan favourite, Ben Pattie just after, as he made his Town bow for the new season!
Pattie himself had a couple of half chances from the edge of the area, one a trademark curler, but it was straight at the goalkeeper.
The visitors applied some pressure as the game played out, Dave Murphy having to clear off of the line after a succession of corners.
However, Town did enough to see themselves win comfortably, defeating the Hellenic Division One side, three goals to nil!
Town will travel to Harefield United, also of the SSML Premier Division, in the preliminary round. This tie will be played on Saturday 12th September, a 3PM Kick Off!