Hemel Hempstead Town 3-1 Concord Rangers

From Vauxhall Road

FA Trophy Second Round

 

CONCORD Rangers were denied a place in the third round of the FA Trophy after a determined display by Conference South rivals Hemel Hempstead Town.

Both sides were bidding to reach the third round for the first time in their history, with the Beach Boys in confident mood, having beaten the Tudors on their own turf earlier in the season.

And it was the away side that started the brighter. James White took aim from long distance, with his volley tested Laurie Walker in the home goal.

Jorell Johnson shot over for the hosts before James Potton tested the returning Josh Vickers in the Concord goal Jack Lampe diverted a Jordan Parkes effort over before the breakthrough came midway through the first half.

David King crossed for Oliver Hawkins and, although his header went across the face of goal, Dennis Oli was onto the loose ball in a flash and he drilled home.

Hawkins and Parkes came close in the first half before Vickers tipped an Oli effort over the bar after the break.

And a host of missed chances were punished when the lively Lewis Taaffe tapped home for the equaliser.

And the decisive moment came from kick off, as Oli broke down the right and crossed for Hawkins to head home and restore the home team’s advantage.

Vickers twice denied Matty Saunders before the game was made safe with five minutes to go.

Potton played in Hawkins who slotted past Vickers to make the game safe.

 

Concord Rangers: Vickers, Walker, Glozier (Pinnock), Woodyard (Stokes), Lampe, Fry, Ogilvie (Miles), White, Taaffe, Collins, Cawley