Trophy Victory

AFC made it through to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy with a hard fought victory over their Ryman Premier league opponents in the replay at The Wardale Williams Stadium.

In front of a disappointingly low crowd, Manager David Batch made a couple of changes to his side, Jack Wilkinson was unavailable and experienced Lee Flynn took over at left-back, while James Baker started up front.

The opening quarter of the game saw both sides sparring with each other and AFC having a couple of efforts, one from Correy Davidson, the other from Baker. The recalled striker then forced Winterton in the Bognor goal to save low down, and he was also in action punching away efforts from Scott Kemp and Davidson again.

The home side took a twenty-eighth minute lead from central defender Craig Pope. Firstly he was up for a corner and headed the ball against the bar, after it rebounded to him he managed to get off the ground to volley it home.

Six minutes later it seemed as though AFC would be two up; Kris Newby was clear though the middle with only Winterton to beat and looked favourite to score but the keeper got down well to save with his feet to deny him.

In the Sudbury goal Marcus Garnham who had been largely a spectator was called into action but was unable to clear a cross that fell to Robson and baker was on the goal line to clear.

Davidson for AFC and Green who had replaced Thomson for Bognor had efforts before the interval but it was the home side that went in ahead at the break.

Half Time; AFC Sudbury 1 Bognor Regis Town 0

The homes supporters had to wait only four minutes before they were cheering their second goal of the evening. The ball was crossed into a crowded Bognor box and came out on the left side some thirty yards out and there was Lee Flynn (pictured) to send in a rasping shot that flew past Winterton and in off the far post.

Davidson using his great pace careered down the left side but ran himself into blind alley before Lawrence Yiga came on to replace Sam Clarke in midfield, with Baker taking over the Captain’s armband.

Robinson for the visitors had a shot that Garnham did well with, before AFC’s Robinson, ben combined well with Yiga to get in a cross that Winterton got in a muddle with.

Ryan Hervel took over from the industrious Davidson, while Green replaced Robinson for Bognor. AFC then picked up a couple of yellow cards with Pope and Yiga the recipients.

The last twenty minutes saw a very concerted effort from the visitors as they applied pressure as was to be expected as they sort to get something from the game. AFC had to get behind the ball and there was little chance of anything being created up front as they sort to hold onto their two-goal cushion.

With ten minutes to go Terry Rymer was introduced in place of the tiring Baker with the captaincy passing to Pope. Bognor continued to press and a couple of goal line clearances by Robinson and Henshaw kept them out.

The Sussex side pressed and had several shots that went over the bar before on ninety minutes they did get a goal when Pearce shot home from close range.

In stoppage time Garnham showed just why Manager Batch signed him saving brilliantly a blistering shot from Pearce to keep AFC in front and though to the next round.

So some money in the coffers and hopefully some more as AFC go to Maidstone United in the next round on Saturday 15th November.

Attendance 149

YNOT