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THE EMIRATES FA CUP - FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING

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This meant there was a huge mountain to climb for the lads especially with Marc’s team seriously depleted with injuries in key positions and which necessitated a major reshuffle of his available squad. To a man they responded magnificently in a very high tempo first half against a well drilled and physically superior side and had some very positive moments which kept the visitors at bay for the most part, in particular with
Charlie Davies alias ‘Forrest Gump’ covering every blade of grass throughout the half with his strength, energy and endeavour.

A promising attack and penetrating run from Dan Olive found Tom Stoker who hit a crisp shot missing the target by just inches with the keeper beaten. Luke Haines was next with a speculative shot from the right which caught McNamara off his line but again was just over his bar.

Maldon counter attacked at every opportunity and with Rovers reshuffled defence all doing their jobs resolutely and managing to repel everything that was thrown at them.

On 26 minutes yet another injury hit Rovers with Jacob Joseph unable to carry on and was replaced by
Dan Toyer resulting in another positional reorganisation. He immediately showed his intent with a cracking shot which forced a good save from the Maldon keeper.

With the first half coming to an end Maldon went ahead when William-Bushall was on hand to slot home, sliding in from a deep cross to the far post.

After this disappointing set back Maldon doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Billy Cracknell was to shake off his marker and fire home through the crowded goal area.

The visitors third and final goal of the game came in the 65th minute and was a little fortuitous when a fierce shot from Barnwell crashed against the crossbar but Scott Kemp was well placed to net the rebound and the tie was effectively over.

Despite this Rovers never gave up but there were no real signs that the deficit could be reduced as we had seen from the Woodbridge turnaround on Saturday and tired legs understandably came into play. The visitors were on the day a lot sharper and alert and deserved their result but I’m sure our lads gave them a much closer game than they would have expected before the game and the score line was certainly no disgrace and the defence on the day were outstanding.

Team : James Philp 8, Jacob Joseph 7 (Joe Rider 26m 7 ) Dan Olive 8, C.Davies 9 (A Hudson 65m 7) R.Oteng 8, P Moody 7, M.Abbott 7, C.Anderson 7, T.Stoker 7 ( R.Jebb 65m 6) B.Bradley 8, L.Haines 8.
Sub not used C Bell GK
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NUTMEG