Two late goals see Met advance in Emirates FA Cup

Following the drawn game at Imber Court Met fielded a starting line up with enforced changes due to injuries and a changed shape playing three at the back. A lively start saw a Met attempt on goal bounce on top of the crossbar before going safe. Although strongly contested by both sides the first half was a scrappy affair with the ball more in the air than on the ground with neither side showing any real threat to goal despite several half chances.

The second half began with Met making an adjustment to their shape but still three at the back and on 47 minutes Archy Taylor broke in from the right to hit a stunning drive which thumped the crossbar and was cleared by the home team. A minute later there was a long delay and treatment which saw Corinthian’s Brandon Davey helped from the pitch with a serious ankle injury. Once play resumed Met began to dominate but despite long periods of possession just unable to apply a finishing touch. The game looked certain to be heading for extra time when against the run of play an overstretched Met defence was breached by Housego who was able to pick his spot from 10 yards to put the home side in front on 89 minutes. With 6 minutes of added time Met set at finding an equaliser and on 91 minutes captain Luke Robertson lashed the ball home from close range through a melee of players for 1-1 and to take the game into extra time.

Extra time saw Met dominate with Corinthian limited to breakaways and just as a penalty shoot out looked inevitable, deep into added time Harry Taylor burst through a congested goal area to head home from a corner from the right and secure a game against Burgess Hill in the next round. Heartbreak for Corinthian despite a valiant effort.