FA CUP ROUND UP

Epsom & Ewell’s victory over Gravesham Borough on Sunday made them the 15th CCL club to safely navigate the Extra-Preliminary Round of the FA Cup over the weekend.

There are also three replays this midweek, one of which is an all CCL affair between Knaphill and Hanworth Villa, so the figure will rise to 16 at the very least, an excellent number which possibly demonstrates the continuing improvement in quality within the League following last season’s FA Vase exploits. Last season just 10 CCL sides got through the opening stage.

No less than three of the four Division One sides involved went through, with possibly the best performance coming from Banstead Athletic, who faced a tough tie at Deal Town and came away with a solitary goal victory. Their reward is a home match against fellow CCL side and neighbours Colliers Wood United, who beat ex-CCL club AFC Croydon Athletic. With Chessington & Hook’s home win over Wick earning them a tie away to Guildford City in the next round, the League is currently assured of at least two clubs getting through to the 1st Qualifying Round. Redhill, also from Division One, played their home tie against St. Francis Rangers at their opponents’ ground due to ongoing pitch work but had no trouble in recording a 4-1 victory and will face a home tie against Lewes in the next round.

Another notable result was achieved by Badshot Lea who triumphed at Sheppey United and equally impressive were Premier new boys CB Hounslow, who went to deepest Gloucestershire to meet Fairford Town and came away with a 5-1 win. New CCL boys, Walton & Hersham and North Greenford United also both won, the latter coming out on top at Binfield. In one of the all CCL ties, Spelthorne Sports will be delighted with their win over champions Hartley Wintney, two late goals turning the tie around to give Spelthorne a 4-3 victory. There was a similar situation at Bedfont Sports where the home side came from two goals down to beat Windsor 3-2.

There were one or two disappointments, especially the fairly heavy defeat for Horley Town, expected to be one of the League’s front runners, who lost 1-4 at Sussex side East Preston. Bedfont & Feltham also conceded four at Longlevens to continue their uncertain start to the season.

There are three replays this midweek, starting this evening (Monday)at Sutton United, when SCR take on Erith Town after rescuing a draw on Saturday at Erith Town, despite playing with ten men for much of the match. AFC Hayes welcome Abingdon United on Tuesday evening, whilst in an all CCL replay Knaphill take on Hanworth Villa, following a 2-2 draw on Saturday. There was some confusion over where the replay was to take place but it is confirmed as being where is should be, of course, at Knaphill, where the kick-off will be 7.30 p.m.

In the solitary league match of the day, Ash United and Frimley Green played out a 1-1 draw, a very late goal securing a point for Ash.

There are a handful of Premier Division matches this midweek but the League gets going properly this coming Saturday, with a full league programme.