FA Cup stalemate
Saints 1 Jones 67
Kempston Rovers 1 Crawley 73
Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round (Saturday 8 September)
Two high quality goals enlivened an otherwise disappointing FA Cup tie that saw both sides struggle to make any headway and enforce a replay on Tuesday.
Kempston, with a lively keeper as comfortable outside his area as inside, were able to defend with a high line and, as a result play was compressed in midfield. The outcome was a stuttering play with neither side able to retain possession for more than two passes.
Activity around the goals was minimised further by the ball spending too long in the air where the defences could dominate. Charlie Mitchell drew a sharp save at the near post from Conway with Saints' best chance of the half.
The first period was bookended by clashes between Alex Nolan and Ben Acquaye which should have seen cautions for both players.
As dire as the first half had been, the second kicked off with more promise. Extra space appeared in midfield, allowing the ball to be moved more freely. Mark Goodman fired just over with a good effort before Saints eventually grabbed the initiative. A deep cross from the right touchline by Remmel Clarke was met by the fast arriving Frankie Jones and his bullet header wasn't to be denied.
If Kempston were feeling hard done by with a penalty shout that wasn't given, they quickly got back on level terms when a long ball upfield found Josh Crawley who, having shaken off a challenge from Alan Hedley, superbly netted with a cross goal shot.
Carl Dennison made an excellent block and Adam Morris had a free kick touched over the bar as both sides threatened to steal the win that neither really deserved.
The replay is on Tuesday at Kempston Rovers.
Saints: Carl Dennison, Alex Nolan, Mark Goodman, Luke Appleton, Alan Hedley, Adam Morris (Jack Mullan 94), Charlie Mitchell, Alex Paine, Kofi Quartey, Frankie Jones (Joel Jacobs 84), Remmel Clarke (Jordan Berry 75).
Attendance. 106 Star Player. Carl Dennison
With their entire strike force missing through suspension, Saints were in a quandary as to how best to present themselves in a game they really needed to win. With their play off hopes on life support and not expected to survive the afternoon, there was concern that chasing sides might overhaul them.