By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Stephen Lawton Congleton Town vs Hyde United
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Clitheroe upset Lancaster in FA Trophy 3QR
Step 4 Clitheroe emerged victorious and provided an upset in a Lancashire derby by beating Lancaster City 2-0 in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.
The Northern Premier League West side – now unbeaten in six in all competitions – progressed thanks to second half goals from Luke Gill and Louis Potts.
The Shawbridge club have now seen off Brighouse Town, Heaton Stannington and Lancaster and are into the third round for the second time in three seasons.
It’s another early exit for Lancaster at the hands of lower ranked opposition – after defeat in the FA Cup to Barnoldswick Town of the North West Counties Premier Division.
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Late winner sees Bears overcome Tigers
Ethan Hartshorn’s 78th minute winner sent NPL West side Congleton Town through at the expense of Step 3 Hyde United in front of 757 at the Cleric Stadium.
Hartshorn’s top corner effort extended Congleton’s run in the FA Trophy this season; having entered at the preliminary round. Richard Duffy’s men have knocked out a trio of Step 4 sides in Ashington, Wythenshawe and Avro and now have a NPL Premier scalp to add to their collection.
Out-of-form Hyde now have no win in seven matches across league, FA Cup and FA Trophy games, but remain in the top eight thanks to a strong start that included four league wins on the bounce.
Quickfire Ashton United cruise through
There was no upset for Ashton United, who were quick out of the blocks and were 2-0 within ten minutes on their way to a 5-2 win at Trafford – James Hardy and Trevor Bryon with the early goals.
Visiting ‘keeper Conor O’Keefe saved Rio Clegg penalty before the break, and Hardy was on hand once more to further extend Ashton’s lead shortly after the restart.
Jerome Wright briefly gave the home side hope with his 64th minute effort, only for Jason Gilchrist to re-establish the three goal cushion three minutes later. Kanye Nisbett and Jak McCourt rounded out the scoring for the home and away side respectively in added time.
Late, late show secures win for Workington
Workington won an FA Trophy game for the first time in four seasons after seeing off Morpeth Town 3-1 at Borough Park. The visitors struck first however – with Jack Foalle’s opener on 14 minutes giving them the advantage until the final half hour.
Steven Rigg levelled the game on the hour – and sub Jamie Allen gave his side the lead for the first time with five minutes remaining. Rigg made sure of it with his second two minutes later.
It’s a second 3-1 win for The Reds in as many weekends after beating Whitby Town by the same scoreline last Saturday. Mark Fell’s side currently sit 14th in the NPL Premier table.
FC United and Macclesfield progress in FA Trophy
FC United of Manchester and Macclesfield both produced 3-0 away wins to make the first round proper – at Hebburn Town and City of Liverpool respectively.
The Rebels were ahead in the first minute thanks to Jordan Buckley – and the same player wrapped up the win on 35 minutes, either side of former Premier League striker Adam Le Fondre’s overhead kick. Both players now have five goals for the season.
Macc were the first team into the hat for the next round with a Friday night victory – with second half goals from Danny Elliott (2) and Justin Johnson seeing The Silkmen through.
Bamber Bridge progress as Cables go out
Bamber Bridge are through after seeing off Guiseley 1-0 with Simon Grand’s goal 20 minutes from time.
The Lancashire side will welcome the £2,450 cheque collected by FA Trophy third qualifying round winners, after announcing they need to raise £30,000 to see out the season in recent weeks. Losing clubs pick up £625 for reaching this stage.
Warrington Rylands needed a penalty shootout to see off the lower-ranked Stocksbridge Park Steels after the game ended 1-1 at full time. Rylands held their nerve to take a 3-1 win in the shootout and make the first round proper for the second time in their history.
Finally, Prescot Cables were Cupset victims after a 2-0 defeat at Yorkshire side Ossett United. No new teams enter in the first round proper, with the draw taking place on Monday.
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