Report by Jools Thomas

As supporters nervously checked their mobiles for updates from elsewhere, they could see Bedworth were making progress in their game at Egham and could even snatch 3rd position from the Moles, a move which would deny the team from that precious home tie in the semi finals. Full back Daniel Murphy had other ideas as he unleashed a piledriver of a shot which crashed into the net in the 89th minute thereby finally securing another game at Haywood Way for his team.

It was the away side which started the more positively and created three useful chances within the opening skirmishes. Firstly Connor Duffy put it in a low shot which James Weatherill gathered at the second attempt and this was followed by a ricocheted shot again by Duffy and finally Ian Bywater hit a header which went the wrong side of the post.

It wasn’t until the 24th minute that FC created anything like an opening. Bradley Wadkins played in Gareth Price and although his strike was hit with power, it didn’t have the accuracy so was always rising over the bar. Jamie Rudd was enjoying his first start in the red and black shirt for some time and he had the vision to play in Wadkins on the half hour mark. Brad’s cross was delightfully inviting however no team mate could advantage as the ball was ushered across the goal by away keeper Cameron Inch.

As half time approached, a corner from the right was met by Connor Baker and his header was deflected over with the resultant corner causing equal drama. Ben Stevens and Connor Baker once again were in on goal and only a frantic block by Inch prevented a goal. The final action of the half saw Lynton Goss busying himself however his cross was too close to the keeper and FC were unable to benefit further.

The second period was just a couple of minutes old when the dangerous Billy Adcock hit a half chance over the bar and this was followed by a Jeanmal Prosper effort that needed a block in the penalty area.

A speculative shot by Duffy was gathered by Weatherill on 58 minutes but despite these efforts there hadn’t yet been what could be described as a good chance. This changed with half an hour to play as Healey hit a thumping half volley which Weatherill again beat away for a corner. Some may argue the save was “one for the cameras” but whatever opinions are, the keeper’s efforts kept the scoreline goalless.

Lynton Goss was finding a little space as the half progressed and he put a shot in which just cleared the bar and this was the prelude to FC’s best chance of the game thus far. The ball fell to Adam Logie and his impressive shot whistled past the keeper but also past the post. Gareth Price’s attempt from just outside the box a few moments later was on target but didn’t have the power to beat the keeper.
FC were creating more chances but there was nothing really exceptional to speak off bar a Bradley Wadkins run and cross which scraped the wood work. As news came through of a Bedworth fightback, FC were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box in the very last minute and up stepped Murphy to make the points safe and send the faithful home very happy indeed.