Introduction


Welcome to the blog that records a personal journey through the football season from a North East perspective.

For 2017-18 A Good Cup Run will not restrict itself to cup games. Although priority will be given to Cup, Vase and Trophy ties, some more workaday matches from the Northern League, the Northern Premier League, and the National League North may be covered.

Thursday, 13 November 2014

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round

SPENNYMOOR TOWN v AFC TELFORD UNITED - 25 October 2014

The final qualifying round sees Spennymoor Town take on AFC Telford United from the Conference. There may be three divisions difference, but Spennymoor are on an eight game unbeaten run whereas Telford are bottom of their league, so an upset is possible.

Heading downhill in the first half, Spennymoor put on early pressure and after fifteen minutes a corner is hit deep to Mason whose hard low volley is heading wide until centre half partner Tait sticks out a boot and taps in the opening goal. For the rest of the half Telford play it long and direct while Spennymoor play sideways, with neither side threatening a goal.

In the second half Telford intensify the bombardment but a breakaway by Peacock and Cogden should have increased the lead, but the Telford keeper anticipates well to keep them out. The miss looks expensive but soon centre forward Henderson muscles his way through a couple of challenges on the edge of the box and rolls an unlikely shot into the corner of the net for a 2-0 lead.

It looks good enough, but to be sure Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley brings on a third centre half to combat the Telford threats which are creating pressure but there seems no one up front with the sharpness to capitalise.

Just as the referee signals five added minutes a good in-swinging cross from the left is glanced into the Spennymoor net, closing the gap to a single goal and initiating a frantic climax comprising: a disallowed Telford goal; a Telford equaliser from a crashing shot from close range into the roof of the net; and a good Spennymoor penalty claim turned down.

After the dust settles the 2-2 result means a replay, and the home team have let slip their best chance of progress into the first round.


ELSEWHERE

Shildon also got themselves into the first round draw; albeit as an “or” with Norton United after a 1 -1 draw in the Potteries.



FA Cup state of play after the Fourth Qualifying Round: 2 yet to start, 2 replaying, and 9 out.

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