Concord Rangers 3-2 Winchester City

From the Aspect Arena

FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round

 

CONCORD Rangers avoided a cup upset as they beat an eager to impress Winchester City to move to within a round of the first round proper.

The Beachboys were overwhelming favourites, playing against the side from the Wessex Premier League – three divisions below their opponents – and it seemed as though the hosts would take full advantage.

Steve Cawley followed up his double from last weekend with another brace, scoring his first goal 10 minutes before the break.

The forward took advantage of a defensive slip to lob away goalkeeper Jason Collins from 45 yards out to open the scoring but that lead was short lived.

Five minutes later Winchester pulled themselves level when a goalbound header was hooked in by Warren Bentley, leaving home keeper Aaron Lennox with no chance.

But the Beachboys hit back immediately. And it was Cawley who tapped home from the goal line after good work from Joe Gardner.

The home team missed a number of chances to extend the lead before Steve King headed against the crossbar, leaving Matt Fry with the simple task of hitting home the rebound – his first since he rejoined the club last month.

It was 3-2 with 15 minutes to go after King tumbled Bentley in the box. And the striker stood up to take the kick himself and score.

But they couldn't force an equaliser.

Concord Rangers Lennox, Walker, Alexander (Glozier), Woodyard, King, Fry, Gardner (Lampe), White, Taaffe, Collins (Ogilvie), Cawley