F.A. Vase
Round 2
Didcot Town 1 Wootton Blue Cross 2
Saturday, 09 November 2002
Despite a spirited comeback Didcot?s interest in this season?s FA Vase was effectively over when they conceded two goals in the space of three minutes in the first half.
Didcot started well and Terry Morrissey tested Blue Cross keeper Jack Rashid with a long shot in the 3rd minute. Shortly afterwards Steve Jenkins headed narrowly over after Ian Concannon crossed dangerously into the box. A brave tackle then denied Concannon from Damien Matthews in the 9th minute after Glyn Jones had worked himself space on the left. The visitors gradually found their feet though and they then spent much of the opening half on the offensive. Matthews headed a free kick from Russell Lawes over the bar and the lively Steve Atkinson should have done better when put clear midway through the half. In the 29th minute Daniel Bartley worked himself space in the Town box but blasted high and wide when he should have done better. Blue Cross?s pressure paid off when they took the lead in the 31st minute but it was in slightly controversial circumstances. Paul Seaman shot goalwards after Michael Newbury?s header but Jones looked to have cleared the ball before it crossed the line. The Referee?s assistant thought otherwise and a goal was given despite Town?s protests. But there were no such complaints moments later as the visitors took a two-goal lead. Didcot?s defence seemed rooted to the spot as Seaman waltzed his way to the edge of the box before slipping the ball past Jeff Simmonds into the corner of the net, and it could have got worse for Didcot as Atkinson rounded Simmonds before chipping the ball inches wide of the far post. Town almost hit back themselves before the break and only a fine save from Rashid prevented Andy Cooper from scoring after he had combined well with Morrissey.
Half Time: 0-2
Wootton?s Daniel Griggs tried his luck from distance in the opening minute of the second half but Didcot then set about getting themselves back into the game. Rashid produced a stunning save in the 67th minute as Jenkins unleashed a vicious volley from 10 yards. Chris Johnson came close with a long-range effort in the 70th minute as the home side kept up the pressure. An intriguing finish was ensured as Town got a goal back with 12 minutes left. Cooper found Concannon on the edge of the area and McNamara lofted home his flick-on past Rashid. Didcot then camped in the Blue Cross half but despite forcing a series of corners they were unable to carve open a clear-cut chance. Wootton were grateful for the final whistle but overall they were worthy winners of an exciting cup-tie.
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