Middlesex’s last remaining representative in the 4th Round of the FA Cup exited the competition yesterday evening in a very cold Gloucestershire
Blue Square Premier side, Forest Green Rovers, were worthy winners of this replay but I felt that the scoreline of 4-0 flattered them.
Mark Butler’s team can be very proud of their efforts especially in taking their full time professional opponents to a replay although the feeling on the coach on the way home was that they had missed a great opportunity to progress in Saturday’s game at Short Lane.
Forest Green went ahead after 18 minutes with a very fortunate goal. Les Afful stuck a foot out to a mishit shot which looped up into the air and into the corner of the net giving Ashford’s keeper Craig Ross no chance.
The score remained 1-0 for the remainder of the half but 18 seconds into the second period Forest Green doubled their lead when Kaid Mohamed converted a low cross from close range. This was the decisive moment of the match and the home side added further goal through Kaid Mohamed (76 minutes) and Les Afful (90+1 minutes).
So Ashford’s impressive FA Cup run comprising of victories over Raunds Town (3-0 away), Arlesey Town (4-1 away) and Chippenham Town (1-0 at home) came to an end.
The County’s other representatives in the 4th Qualifying Round went out on Saturday last. Hampton & Richmond Borough dominated their match against underdogs Brackley Town who scored from their one clear chance of the game to win 1-0. Hayes & Yeading United visited Blue Square Premier side Oxford United and failed to take some excellent first half chances before eventually losing to 2 second half goals
Hampton had reached the 4th Qualifying Round with victories over Dartford (1-0 away) and Whyteleafe (2-0 at home) while Hayes & Yeading had beaten Staines Town (5-3 at home after extra time in a replay after a 0-0 draw) and Kingstonian (3-1 away).