Pitchero

Leiston FC

Crowborough Athletic FC

J Jefford (12'), C Finch (22', 80'), C Henderson (31')

Full time

R Connolly (70'), J Ainsley (87' OG)

Sat 16 Sep 15:00 - Cup Attendance 234

Report

Highlights

Selection

LEISTON PROVE TOO STRONG FOR GALLANT CROWS.

By Malcolm Boyes

A difference of two divisions proved just too much in the end as the Crows bow out of the FA Cup.

Crows by no means bit-part players.
Both sides played well in a very entertaining encounter at Victory Road yesterday in this FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round tie. Pass and move was very much the play of the day and a desire to keep the ball on the grass by both teams was very evident and with a surface like the one they have at Leiston, then why wouldn't you.
The Bostik Premier side who are playing with confidence from the start to the season they have had started at an awesome pace and were dominant from the kick off, giving very little of the ball to the Crows in the early stages.
Their passing, movement and energy meant that the Crows had to work hard initially to compete for any possession time and to defend their goal but as Crow fans know, something the players are always prepared to do.
In the 12th minute the home side got a reward for their fast start when Jefford put them in front with a towering header from around 6 yards out. At the time one would have to say it was a deserved lead and I'm sure most people were wondering could this be a heavy defeat for the visitors.
However, the Crows never give up and created some good chances, notably Attwood to the fore, making Garnham in the Leiston goal make a couple of good saves. In the 22nd minute 1-0 became 2-0 however, when Finch on the edge of the Crows area had the time turn and fire the ball past Ellis into his left hand corner of the net.
The Crows still kept going but in the 31st minute they scored a third goal, their number 8, Henderson hitting a rasping drive in to the corner of the net from around 20 yards out. He was the class player from the home through the whole game, he always seemed to have time and space and in the right place and right time for them. Personally, I would be disappointed if I were him, I'd be disappointed not to have won the sponsors Man of the Match award, however, that went to Lawrence.
The second half started with the Crows 3-0 down and it would be natural to think that it could be a heavy defeat in the offering for the Crows. It soon became clear though the the away side had different ideas and they started to dominate possession and create good chances. Again Attwood was in good form and was testing the Leiston defence along with Carrington and Connolly.
It was Connolly who got the goal the Crows deserved, a curling effort from the edge of the area in to the top corner, giving the home stopper no chance therefore, it was 3-1.
The next goal was going to be crucial, at 3-2 the Crows would be right back in it, 4-1 then the home side would feel they're home and dry. Sadly for the Crows the home side got the next goal as Finch gave Ellis no chance with a left foot finish in to the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
Still the Crows never gave up, kept going and in the end got a second goal in bizarre circumstances when Ainsley, a home side centre back, hit a back pass to Garnham from the edge of the Leiston area which seemed to be missed by the home stopper and it gently rolled in the net despite his diving effort, so it became the final score.
In added-on time the Crows had one more chance, substitute Pearson having a header cleared off the line.
The Crows Man of the Match went to Zac Attwood for his all round display and effort in all areas.

Star Player

Zac Attwood