Heath bow out of FA Cup

Heath bowed out of this seasons FA Cup after going down 3-2 in extra time to visiting Bridport.
Following on from Saturdays epic, this certainly didn’t disappoint the good crowd at Springfield who witnessed Bridport get off to a much better start and finding themselves 2 up after just 22 minutes in what was horrendous conditions.
The first coming after a defensive slip on just 9 minutes and the second a somewhat fortuitous screamer that ended up in the top corner giving Dan Worton no chance.
The remainder of the first half saw Bridport looking the more dangerous and the more likely to go further ahead but Heath held out until the break with the home crowd wondering when the Heath were going to turn up.
They didn’t have to wait long as the Heath came out in a much more positive mood and forced the Bridport rear guard to work overtime.
The all important Heath goal came on 59 minutes when Ali Bamford made an excellent run and cross for Simon McElroy to slot home at the near post, this was just the lift the home side needed with almost constant pressure being laid to the Bridport goal.
Simon McElroy was very unlucky to see his thunderous volley crash against the post
With time running out and Heath looking as though it just wasn’t going to happen who pops up but Matt Huxley on 88 minutes to expertly glance his header over the oncoming keeper to draw the teams level.
So extra time it was and again it was Bridport who started the brighter but without causing any real problems for the home defence, the only obvious thing was that there was a couple of home team players who were really struggling with knocks, with all the substitutions made this make all the difference but Heath held out until the break in extra time.
The second half of extra time was much the same with both teams giving it their all to get through and it was Bridport who broke the deadlock on 110 minutes when a crisp shot went in at the far post.
With tired legs and players obviously hurting the Heath team gave it one last shot to try and stay in the competition with both Huxley, Mc Elroy and even goalkeeper Dan Worton going oh so close with a shot that was just the wrong side of the post.
In the end it was just not to be for the Heath and Bridport held out for the win and passage into the next round where we wish them the best of luck.
So although bitterly disappointed at going out we must move on.
For the people who witnessed the two encounters they will have certainly had their moneys worth.
Full credit to both sides in what was two proper FA Cup ties.