Alsager Town are through to the third round of the FA Carlberg Vase for the first time in their history after finally overcoming AFC Mansfield in the second round replay at Wood Park on Tuesday evening. Three days earlier, the Bullets had been denied at the death in a 1-1 draw in Nottinghamshire, however on this occasion there was to be no mistake as the home side out-battled the visitors who had previously been unbeaten on their travels.
On a decent pitch that became increasingly heavy due to the incessant downpours, Alsager started very much in the ascendency, swarming around the visitors at every opportunity and exerting control of the midfield.
Bullets debutant Michael Machin saw his effort blocked by goalkeeper Jason White on the quarter hour, however, the former Hanley Town striker made no mistake in the 26th minute when he netted Daniel Cocks’ cross from the left.
White tipped Jonathon Beaumont’s goal-bound effort round the post in the 35th minute, however Beaumont was not to be denied, slotting home from close range from the resultant corner.
Alsager keeper Chris Fletcher reacted well to save Phil Buxton’s effort in what was AFC Mansfield’s first real opportunity, however, a minute before the break it was 3-0 as Cocks got free down the left and his pinpoint ball across the six yard box was thumped into the visiting net by Jonathon Jones.
As was to be expected AFC Mansfield responded in determined fashion after the break, but the Bullets were in no mood to allow them back into the game and remained resilient throughout, restricting them to few opportunities. Fletcher saved an angled drive from Steve Sowter and thwarted substitute Grant Allott with an acrobatic save, tipping his drive over the bar, before Allott’s late consolation goal for the visitors from the resultant corner in the 89th minute.
In the end, the Bullets ran out worthy winners and in addition to the £1000 prize money are rewarded with a home tie against Wolverhampton based AFC Wulfrunians on Saturday 12th December 2015.

Alsager Town: Fletcher, Dawson, Ledwards, R. Smith, Stubbs, Beaumont, Jones, Connor (Chadwick), Machin (J. Johnson), Cocks (Shaw), Crofts. Subs (not used) Woolley, M. Johnson,

Attendance: 95 .
Ian Woodward.

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