This was an early start for Jamie Godbold’s side as a floodlight problem at Hampton’s Beveree Stadium meant the game kicked off an hour earlier at 2.00pm.

Despite putting on a good performance against their high-flying Ryman Premier Division hosts AFC Sudbury’s FA Trophy run ended when the home side scored twice in the second half to book their place in the next round.

Godbold was forced to make one change from the side that started the previous game with recent signing George Clarke trophy-tied. Robbie Martin moved into a midfield role with Stefano Mallardo replacing him in defence.

Even though heavy rain fell for most of the game this was an entertaining affair and there was little between the teams in an end-to-end first half.

Twice Sudbury went close early on following right wing moves when Craig Parker and Jordan Blackwell brought good saves from the home keeper.

At the other end Marcus Garnham saved well to deny Harry Taylor and the follow up was cleared off the line. But from the resulting corner the hosts took the lead after 33 minutes when the flag kick found Jamal Lowe who shot home from a narrow angle.

Sudbury deservedly levelled five minutes later when Luke Callander broke down the right. He did well to beat his marker and cross for Jordan Blackwell to flick home the equaliser to level the scores at the break.

Half time: Hampton & Richmond 1 AFC Sudbury 1

The hosts had the wind at their backs in the second half and they soon had the Sudbury defence under pressure. That pressure paid off after sixty-one minutes when they won a free kick in a central position twenty-three yards out and second half substitute Tom Jelly scored direct to put the hosts ahead with a shot that beat Garnham diving to his right.

Seven minutes later the hosts scored a third goal to virtually seal the game when Charlie Moone ended a fine move with a good finish.

Sudbury tried hard to get back on terms and both Parker and Ollie Berquez went close with the latter hitting a post. But there was no way back for the Suffolk side as the hosts booked their place in the next round and another home tie, against Maidstone United.

Attendance: 212

PAT ARBON