Slimbridge forced into FA Cup replay after late leveller
Milton Keynes Irish came from behind twice at Thornhill Park to earn themselves a replay against Slimbridge in the FA Cup Preliminary Round, writes Alfie Richmond.
With an extra season at step four under their belts, the visitors had begun their campaign with a win and a loss in the Central Division after beating Highworth Town to earn their spot in this afternoon’s clash against The Swans.
A 7-2 loss to Swindon Supermarine was not the welcome to the division Slimbridge were after — but another tough test against Irish presented a welcome opportunity to kick-start the season.
Leighton Green put the hosts ahead inside just three minutes, following good work from Theo Lynden to win the ball back in midfield, before Jack Smith set up the striker to open the scoring.
Jacob Rodgers made a crucial block to deny Clinton Zawe an equaliser for Irish, just moments before Hadyn Evans missed a header from close-range up the other end on 32 minutes.
The Swans had the ball in the net a few minutes later when the final touch off a Smith cross went in off a defender — but the official’s flag was up, much to the confusion of the Slimbridge dugout.
Irish equalised on 38 minutes, as centre-back Ben Farrell found the net with a superb strike.
James Meadows and Tom MacDonald both had half-chances for the visitors before the break, but either troubled Ronnie Newbury in the Slimbridge goal.
Half-time saw the tie level — despite Slimbridge’s early opener, Milton Keynes eventually settled into the game, and slowly grew in confidence.
The hosts started the second half similarly to the first — with Green brought down in the area after a deft touch from Smith, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Olly Sully tucked it away to re-gain the lead on 50 minutes.
Meadows got his finish all wrong six minutes later after having an opportunity handed to him on a plate in a bid to draw level once more.
The game began to open up as the visitors pushed for a way back into the game. Owen Giles hit the woodwork with a clever flick, while Jack Holmes made an important challenge down the other end of the pitch to deny Irish’s Stephen Brooks on 67 minutes.
Meadows caused Slimbridge more problems when he looked certain to level in the 74th minute but for the out-stretched leg of Newbery.
The hosts were unable to see the remainder of the game out, as MacDonald bundled home to level after his initial effort was well-saved by Newbery on 86 minutes.
The young Swans keeper pulled out another top save in the seventh minute of additional time to deny Farrell a second and keep the hosts in the tie — before the referee blew the final whistle.
The 2-2 scoreline means both sides meet again on Tuesday night in Milton Keynes to determine a spot in the first round qualifying.
A bank holiday double-header awaits The Swans afterwards, with two away trips in two different competitions.
First up is Swindon Supermarine once again in the FA Trophy, before league action returns on Monday against Inkberrow.
Slimbridge: Newbery; Holmes, Mathews, Lynden, Giles, Evans, Sully, Bell, Green, Smith ©, Rogers.
Subs: Blyth (90’), Browne (61’), Moseley (61’), Stokes, Kang.
MK Irish: Ladyman; Zawe, Hirst, Smith ©, Boyce, Meadows, Shrieves, Amaning, MacDonald, Farrell, Beecher.
Subs: Hawkins (61’), Kalek (83’), Haworth, Brooks (50’), Nevin (90’).
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Jack W Smith (Slimbridge)
READ MORE: Check out the list of Saturday’s results in and around Gloucestershire right here
