Great Wakering Rovers produced a late comeback as they came from behind as score twice late on to ensure their place in the second round of the Errington Challenge Cup.

The hosts got a shock early lead as they when Nathan Dennis was played in and capitalised on some poor defending.

After a mediocre first half, Rovers stepped up and it took until the final five minutes when Harry Talbot headed in a corner from Ben Search and the comeback was completed when Luke Hirst was played in and slotted home for the winner.

Rovers then had a stoppage time penalty when Hirst was brought down and Chris Serys was sent off. Harry Talbot saw his penalty well saved but the Rovers place in the second round was all but confirmed.

They made four changes following Saturdays league win. Reece Conway, Alfie Whiteaker, Jack McQueen, Sean Gittleson and Bradleigh Rowland were rotated in for Mitchell Arthur, Shaye La-Rose, Thomas Barton, Ben Search and Max Gnandi. Gene Ghag was in between the sticks in place of George Martin.

Kickoff:

Within the first fifteen minutes of the match, Rovers were on top and created numerous chances.

Within the first minute, Luke Hirst was played through down the right on a counter and he unleashed a stringing shot which was tipped over by Lee Haylock.

Rovers had many more chances and looked a threat especially on set pieces but they failed to capitalise on their chances.

Sean Gittleson went close when he received the ball inside the box following a run and through ball by Bradley Bennett. He got set and his stinging shot was straight at Haylock who gathered the ball after.

Despite having most of the possession, the chances for the host started to creep in.

On eighteen minutes, Frenford won a free kick on the edge of the box and Nathan Dennis saw his curling effort at the near post well saved by Gene Ghagg who parried the ball away and the linesman signalled for offside.

The warning signs of the oppositions chances were becoming an issue and they soon capitalised as they took the lead after twenty minutes.

Nathan Dennis was played down the right on a counter attack and he charged into the box and smashed his effort off the near post which rebounded off the other post and rolled into the net.

Rovers attempted to get back into the game but lacked their cohesive passing game as they saw numerous chances spurned. Reece Conway vocal presence was vital as the lads needed someone to

Rovers did have a good chance just before the break when Harry Talbot received the ball on the left. He twisted, turned and skipped past his defender before cutting the ball back across the byline to the edge of the box to Sean Gittleson. He cut in just outside the area and curled his shot just over the bar.

Halftime: Frenford 1-0 Rovers

Rovers came out fighting in the second half. The passing hadn’t improved however, but the chances improved.

Marcus Bowers made several changes halfway through the second half in an attempt to install much needed energy in the side.

With twenty minutes to go, Rovers had a great chance to draw the game level when Talbot received the ball on the left and skipped past his defender and lobbed the ball to the back post where Sean Gittleson saw his shot go straight into the side netting.

Rovers where starting to look better and were creating numerous chances and Frenford cleared away any loose ball were coming their way.

With time ticking down and with just over five minutes left, Rovers won a corner.

Substitute Ben Search whipped in a trademark in-swinging corner and an unmarked Harry Talbot crashed the ball in point blank to draw the game level.

The game would be heading straight to penalties but as the fans always say never give up, Rovers netted the winner with three minutes to play.

Rovers went straight in the counter attack following the restart after regaining possession. Mitchell Arthur received the ball on the right and played the ball across the edge of the box to Max Gnandi who played the ball into Luke Hirst. He was played inside the box, turned and placed the ball into the bottom corner for his second goal in two games much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

The turnaround was complete and but they had to get back and see out the remaining time.

The hosts won a free kick thirty yards from goal when Shaye La-Rose tripped his man and was cautioned for the offence. Corey Hewlett whipped in a cross into the box and Gene Ghagg bravely came out and picked the ball out of the air much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

Straight after, Rovers soon had a great chance deep into added time.

Ghagg launched the ball upfield for Hirst to run on and he was tripped inside the box by Chris Cery and the referee immediately pointed to the spot and produced a red card for the Frenford defender for a last man offence.

Harry Talbot stepped up but his spot kick was well saved as Haylock got down low to his right to palm the ball away.

However, after eight added minutes, Rovers held on to book their place in the second round of the cup.

Fulltime: Frenford 1-2 Rovers

A great turnaround once again by the boys, they will find out who their opponents will be in due course but for the time being they will turn their attention back to league as they travel to the league leaders Soul Tower Hamlets on Saturday.

Fantastic support from the 27 supporters who turned out for the game, fantastic support as always.