Its 'Sota' all square in The Emirates FA Cup

Hampton & Richmond 1 v 1 Potters Bar Town FC

A depleted ‘Scholars’ put in a hard working performance to earn a well deserved replay with their Vanarama National League South counterparts in front of a crowd of 392 on Saturday afternoon

Sitting two leagues above their opponents it was the home side who carved out an early 2nd Minute chance when an unusual lack of touch from the ever dependable Steve Browne allowed Harry Crawford the opportunity to shoot across goal but wide of the target.

As the game settled down it was the visitors who sent out a warning, Michael Murray’s 9th minute free kick on the right was curled in towards the penalty spot and the scholars reacted quickest they were unlucky to see Steve Browne’s header come back off the crossbar where Sean Grace couldn’t keep his shot down under pressure and fired over the bar.

Six minutes later scholars youngster Femi Ogunsola had a gilt edged chance when the hosts gave the ball away 20 yards outside the penalty area, the ball took a wicked deflection and fell into his path centrally on the edge of the penalty area and as he moved the ball out from his feet could only produce a tame shot straight at relieved custodian Sam Howes.

It wasn’t until the 35th minute that another chance came as a Michael Murray free kick was headed wide by Sean Grace and the host then had to wait for first half injury time as the ever dangerous Malachi Napa cut inside from the left but shot over the bar. Back down the other end and another of the Scholar’s youngster’s David Sota was fed by Murray into the penalty area but his under hit shot was cleared for a corner and the teams moved in at half time 0-0

It was the host who upped the tempo at the start of the second half, feeding Napa as often as possible, but he was well marshaled by the visitor’s full back Billy Baird.

However in the 52nd minute Napa managed to evade Baird’s challenge but hit his shot wide, then shortly afterwards the hosts had a header saved by Berkeley Laurencin and when Christain Jolley fed Napa outside the penalty area he shot over the bar.

With 20 minutes remaining the hosts again forced a save from Laurencin, but then the Scholars scored the opening goal. A throw in on the left saw the ball played to Femi Ogunsola his pass in behind the defense found substitute Pierre Etienne who’s low cross towards the near post was met by David Sota under pressure who turned the ball past Howes into the net.

The hosts then piled on the pressure but resolute defending kept the forwards at bay until a harsh penalty award for handball but Taurean Roberts put the effort high of the crossbar to let the visitors off. A couple of minutes later Roberts crossed and Harry Crawford headed wide in a dangerous position.

With just four minutes remaining the Beavers gained another penalty and this time Duncan Culley made no mistakes to draw the scores level.

One last opportunity fell to the visitors as George Nicholas broke in the midfield area but his shot from a distance was safely gathered by Howes to leave the scores level, with a replay at the Pakex.

Scorers – Sota 74 (PB) – Culley 86 (HR)

MoM: Billy Baird

Team: Berkley Laurencin, Billy Baird, Andy Lomas, Romario Miles-Martin (sub Pierre Etienne 69m), Steve Browne, Sean Grace, Femi Ogunsola, Billy Adcock, Michael Murray (sub Will Wambeek 89m), George Nicholas, David Sota

Subs not used: Grek Marsh g/k, Darren Brown-Merrick, Alex Ward