Billingshurst squeeze through in FA Vase after penalty drama

Billingshurst squeezed into the next round of the Buildbase FA Vase via a penalty shoot-out against FC Elmstead of the Southern Counties East FL.
Nick Tilley celebrating the late equaliser. Picture by Iain GibsonNick Tilley celebrating the late equaliser. Picture by Iain Gibson
Nick Tilley celebrating the late equaliser. Picture by Iain Gibson

The 1st half saw a litany of passes going astray admittedly on a very blustery day and Elmstead had more of the ball but created few clear chances. After 28 minutes, Ricardo Fernandes picked the ball up on the left hand side and worked his way through 3 Elmstead defenders before laying it off to Jahobi Maher. Maher continued his recent goalscoring form to hammer it past Foley in the Elmstead goal and to give Billingshurst a 1-0 lead at half time.

The home team then started to create chances; Brad O’Connor broke through on goal but was quickly closed down by the Elmstead centre half, Fernandes then curled a shot wide.

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After 60 minutes, Billingshurst went to sleep and got caught on the break and a scuffed shot was deflected in for an own goal by Casey Tucker. For the next 15 minutes, ‘hurst lost their way and once again were caught on the break leaving Kyle Beckford to give the visitors the lead.

Jahobi Maher shot to give Billingshurst the lead. Picture by Iain GibsonJahobi Maher shot to give Billingshurst the lead. Picture by Iain Gibson
Jahobi Maher shot to give Billingshurst the lead. Picture by Iain Gibson

Five minutes later, a towering header from Eddie French dropped to Nick Tilley who volleyed home to make it 2-2. For the remainder of the game, the home side were dominant and in the 94th minute O’Connor had a great chance with a header but knocked it wide.

So into penalties it went and by now the cricketers on the adjoining pitch had decided to bolster the crowd. After an initial spell of kicks of which Diana Ross would have been proud, both sets of players confidently scored until the 9th kick which saw Luis Correia save his counterparts effort to give Billingshurst a 7-6 penalty victory.

They now play Jersey Bulls in the next round on the 10th October.

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