Ware v AFC Sudbury
FA Trophy – 2nd Qualifying Round

The Suds lined-up with Kaidon Tower-King returning from injury, replacing the absent Tom Maycock. On the bench, new signing Alexander Kerr waited for his opportunity alongside Archie Jolland and Charlie Oxborrow.

The opening minutes of the game belonged to AFC Sudbury, forcing some early corners and attacking long throws almost immediately. George Keys in particular making his presence felt on our right, with some telling crosses. However, we failed to make this early pressure count despite dominating the opening 15 minutes.

On 17 minutes Finley Iron made the first of many fine saves he would make throughout the game and it was a sign that the balance of play had shifted. On 21 mins Ware opened the scoring with an unstoppable shot from their right courtesy of Theophilus Ofori. 1-0 to the hosts, who doubled their lead from a similar position and with a similar effort on 34 mins from Rechan Esprit. 2-0 at the break.

Jordan Barnett made way for Charlie Oxborrow at the start of the second half and Phil Weavers changed the shape of the team to counter the Ware threat. It certainly payed dividends, the lively Oxborrow once again looking the part at this level and The Suds started to knock on the ware door.

This wasn't the whole story though as at the other end, Finely Iron – in a Man of the Match performance – drew gasps from the 264 spectators present with some unbelievable saves.

Alexander Kerr replaced Kaidon Tower-King on 52 minutes to make his debut for the Suds, Archie getting onto the pitch in the 79th minute, replacing the hard-working Callum Anderson. And on 84 minutes, Jolland skips into the box and is brought down for a stone-wall penalty, referee pointing to the spot immediately. Reuben Chinnery stepped up to take it but the home 'keeper was equal to the task and saved at his right-hand post.

Back into cup action on Tuesday night at the Elite Travel Stadium when Newmarket Town are the visitors in the Velocity Cup (the Isthmian League Cup) and then league action next Saturday when Walthamstow are our visitors.

Come on you Yellows!
#UpTheSuds