Hartpury defeat Fareham to make FA Vase history as Manning’s strike the difference
Hartpury University FC advanced to the FA Vase fifth round for the first time in their history following their 1-0 victory over Fareham Town on Sunday, writes Sam Yapp.
Hartpury’s history defining moment came on 17 minutes when a deep cross evaded the Fareham back line allowing Louie Manning to fire home at the back post.
That goal was enough to see Hartpury through to the next round, where they will head to VCD Athletic, and extended their unbeaten run to six games.
Fareham’s fairytale cup run came to an end, having been playing in the fourth round for the very first time and pushed their hosts all the way to the end.
Hartpury almost went ahead on 9 minutes when Luke Salter was picked out in the middle, but the ball didn’t sit up for the attacker who saw his effort bobble just wide.
Leon Machisa came close to doubling Hartpury’s lead on 34 minutes when his close range header was hooked off the line before looping one over moments later.
Salter then forced Fareham’s goalkeeper, Declan McCarthy, into a smart stop down low to his right when he drove one in from the edge of the area on 37 minutes.
Fareham came out fighting in the second period and almost went level on 54 minutes when Alfie Bridgman got free in the area to drive an effort across goal, but it was deflected past the post.
The visitors spent most of the second period feeling aggrieved by refereeing decisions after multiple cries for a penalty went begging.
But on 74 minutes the referee played an incredible advantage for Hartpury as Billy Osborn drove forward before hanging a cross up for Ben Baxter, but he couldn’t get enough on his headed effort.
A minute later, Salter tried his luck from distance, but his dipping effort struck the top of the crossbar.
It was a late surge for Hartpury as on 78 minutes Baxter was teed up in the area but could only fire his effort over the bar after Salter had pounced on a defensive error.
But Hartpury withstood a much improved Fareham second half display and will look to carry momentum into their Wiseman Floodlit Cup clash with Hereford Pegasus on Tuesday night and take another step towards the Hellenic Premier title, when they host Tuffley Rovers next weekend.
Martin Longworth’s side will then head to Malmesbury Victoria on Tuesday 28 January to compete in the Marsh Challenge Cup – before they head to VCD Athletic on Saturday 1 February.
Hartpury University- Sarkodie (GK), Kent, Robinson, Machisa, Roney ©, Jenkins, (Kang 66’), Manning (Kone 81”), Towns, Osborn (Prifti 81’), Salter, Baxter (Mackenzie 90+1’)
Unused subs- Giles
Fareham Town- McCarthy (GK), Wingfield, Sullivan, Aston, Colvin, Tattersall ©, Cooper (Cole 74’), Graham, Benfield (S. Bridgman 46’), Pates (Quinlan 85’), A Bridgman
Unused subs- Primus, Kessack
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Ben Baxter (Hartpury University)
