Thriller at the Meadow

Chalfont St.Peter 3-3 Glossop North End
The FA Carlsberg Vase
Semi-Final first leg
3pm, Saturday 28 March 2009
Mill Meadow, Chalfont St Peter FC
Winners will receive £7,000 from The FA

Glossop North End produced a thrilling two-goal comeback to draw 3-3 at Chalfont St Peter in The FA Vase Semi-Final first leg at Mill Meadow.

The home side looked to have gained the upper hand ahead of next Saturday's second leg at Surrey Street, leading 3-1 with just 17 minutes left to play but goals from Dave Hodges and Rick Bailey ensured the tie remains finely balanced.

Chalfont started the game in confident mood and it was no surprise when Charlie Strutten fired the home side ahead on 21 minutes. 

The Saints continued to push forward and doubled their advantage just 11 minutes later through John Carroll.

The tie looked to be heading beyond Glossop, but the Derbyshire side grabbed a lifeline five minutes before the break through Jay Gorton.

Chalfont continued to look menacing after the break and stormed into a 3-1 lead four minutes after the restart, courtesy of Barry Brosnan. 

Once more the tie looked to be out of Glossop's grasp, but The Hillmen refused to throw in the towel and were rewarded for their endeavour by Hodges' 73rd minute strike.

And Bailey stunned the home crowd of 1,185 by equalising with just 11 minutes left to play, completing an unlikely comeback.

Chalfont manager Danny Edwards said: "We started the game really well so it's disappointing not to take a lead into the second leg. 

"The wind was a factor for both sides today but I thought we coped well. 

"We scored a good goal after the break but two mistakes cost us - I have to say they finished them superbly well."

Looking ahead to next Saturday's second leg, Edwards added: "I think it'll be an open game. 

"They'll make it difficult for us and the first goal could be vital. They will be the favourites so the pressure will be on them."