Sunday, 20 October 2013
Carlsberg FA Sunday Cup : First Round
RCA Grangetown Florists began their journey in the National FA Sunday Cup with an exciting 4-3 victory over Northallerton Sportsman FC.
In perfect conditions Spotsman took an early lead when the outstanding Anderson got behind the Florists defence and crossed low and hard for a easy tap in from close range. Florists responded well and drew level after 10 minutes when Scott Kelly drove home from the edge of the box following good work down the left flank. Things got better five minutes later when a long cross to the far post was met by MOM Martin Metcalfe's header into the path of returning Gareth Hill to bundle home from close range.
Both sides were playing attractive attacking football and only a brave block from David Rush prevented a Spotsman equaliser. Florists were then awarded a rather harsh penalty when the ball struck the hand of a defender after a deflection, and Martin Metcalfe stroked home to put Florists 3-1 up after 35 minutes. Sportsman nevertheless fought back and in turn were awarded a penalty on 40 minutes for a robust challenge, which was struck home to give a ht score of 3-2 to Florists.
The second half was barely five minutes old when Florists again went two goals ahead when Matty Harrison's delightful lob from 25 yards cleared the despairing dive of the keeper. Sportsman upped the pace, but the game flowed from end to end until in the 75th minute a floated free kick from the right was misjudged by keeper Donnely and escaped his grasp to bring Sportsman back into the game.
The last 15 minutes, plus six minutes overtime, were played out at a furious pace, but produced no further goal to give RCA Grangetown Florists a hard fought 4-3 victory and passage into the Second Round.