HAVERHILL ROVERS 2 MALDON AND TIPTREE 1

By Barbara Jones

An amazing comeback by the hosts in the last 20 minutes of the game overhauled a one goal deficit from the first half to seal their place in the First Round Qualifying.

F.A. CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND

Jemel Fox headed a Ben Bradley cross over the bar in the first chance for the home side, Jack Cawley heading into the Haverhill net after a free kick on the right but the referee's whistle had already gone for a foul.

Maldon took the lead in the 34th minute when Sammie McLeod's effort right of goal found the net with the final touch coming off of the fully stretched boot of Decarrey Sheriff from close range.

Some half chances came both side's way, home substitute Mitchell Burr having a 25 yard effort collected and away substitute Carlos Djalo So seeing his first time volley after Matthew Brigg's cross spin behind him and then in to goalkeeper James Philp's arms.

With 79 minutes gone a deep diagonal cross from the right by Burr ended up providing the equaliser, sub Mark Lovell and 'keeper Benjamin McNamara both going up for the ball, McNamara coming up short and the ball rolling onto the foot of the left post, Fox putting in the rebound to level the scores.

Then, with a replay looking imminent three minutes into added time, Bradley was brought in the penalty area and the referee awarded a penalty, Marc Abbott stepping up to slot home the spot kick and send the home supporters into jubilation.

There was a nervous moment eight minutes into added time, Cawley's free kick from almost 30 yards going over the bar with the last kick of the game.

ROVERS : Philp, Carroll (Holmes, 62), Fox, Noble, Geoghegan, Moody, Abbott, Haines (Burr, 62), Lovell, Bradley (Miles, 96), Davis. Subs not used – Halls, Tait, Judge, Greenall.

----------
Steven Esdale

Photos from Haverhill Rovers v Maldon & Tiptree are available at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/99412113@N04/sets/72157699042010361

Please credit Haverhill Rovers Football Club with any that are used.