FootballSport

Borough bow out of FA Cup with Wealdstone loss

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH’S brilliant streak in the ‘FA Cup finally ended as they made the trip to Wealdstone in the Fourth Qualifying Stage on Saturday afternoon; the visitors eventually slipping to a four-one defeat despite a very spirited and good performance versus their National League opponents in front of over one thousand supporters at Grosvenor Vale.

The hosts began quickly in the damp conditions and they got a penalty as Alex Reid was fouled by Gosport goalkeeper Ryan Gosney, who redeemed himself with a good save to deny Samuel Ashford’s kick on 4 minutes. This was followed by a chance for the visitors when Dan Wooden’s driven effort was saved by Sam Howes, and the rebound was cleared.

An attacking mindset was steadily implemented by Gosport and they reaped their rewards on twenty minutes; Wooden breaking through and calmly placing past Howes for one-nil. In response Wealdstone saw Reid go closer with a curling attempt that brushed the side netting and were denied another penalty after Dominic Hutchinson went down in the box.

Borough were dealt a blow on 32 minutes when Wooden picked up his unfortunate knock and was sadly forced off with Samuel Faniyan; a big moment that changed attacking momentum for the visitors. And Wealdstone took full advantage with a leveller before the break through Reid, who celebrated a first goal after Brandon Mason’s initial drive was saved.

Two substitutes helped Wealdstone assert control upon the restart and they almost added the second after forty-seven minutes; Henry Sandat bouncing an audacious bicycle kick attempt through the crowd of players against the post. The hosts weren’t rueing missed opportunities however as Anthony Georgiou’s low ball was converted by Max Kretzschnar.

A rare move for Gosport sparked hopes of a response when Asher Yearwood made a spot of space just inside the box; his powerful effort brilliantly gathered by Howes on the second attempt. But dreams of their equaliser were soon fading away as Joe Morrison was shown a straight red card on seventy-one minutes for a foul; the free kick fired into the wall.

Tired bodies were evident for the away team despite substitutions and this led to the killer third goal for Wealdstone on 88 minutes; Reid nicking the ball and finishing a fine solo goal as he rounded Gosney. The striker furthermore clinched his hat-trick in stoppage time for four-one as he scored a penalty which was given as Micah Obiero was illegally fouled.

It was a proud afternoon for Gosport’s management, players, and fans despite their flattering away loss; particularly as they have reached this ‘stage’ of the FA Cup in just four occasions in their history. They will now return back to The AEI Stadium for the first time since September 14; as they host Swindon Supermarine in the League next Saturday (19/10).

PICTURED BY WEALDSTONE FC MEDIA: Alex Reid looks for a pass under pressure from determined away backline.