29 September 2007
VIDEO: Second Round Qualifying - Sutton 1-1 Woodford

Sutton and Woodford will have to replay their tie after finishing 1-1 - click on the link to watch the highlights.


Sutton United v Woodford United
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Second Round Qualifying 
Saturday 29 September 2007
Winning clubs receive £3750
Click here for results

There was no dream FA cup story for Sutton United as they were held to a 1-1 draw by minnows Woodford United of the Southern League Midlands division.

Sutton, who were the last non-League club to knock out top-flight opposition when they beat Coventry 2-1 in 1989, are not having such a good time of late, being rooted to the bottom of the Conference South.

However, they made a dream start on Saturday when Nicky Greene smacked home a first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area within 30 seconds of the kick-off to send the home fans delirious.

United are two divisions higher than their Midland opponents and had plenty of chances to increase their lead, but found Woodford goalkeeper, Matt Finlay, in terrific form.

The United keeper made some excellent saves both with hands and feet, frustrating the Sutton attack. But when Finlay was eventually beaten by Alan Brays' shot shortly before half-time the ball cannoned off a post and away to safety.

Woodford got stronger as the game went on and substitute Dave Pearson made a lot of the difference. He was tripped in the penalty area five minutes from time and referee Adrian Gillett had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Defender Jason Burnham stepped up for the visitors and slotted the ball home.

Afterwards, Woodford coach Phil Mason, said: "This was a terrific result for us, considering they are two divisions higher.

"We rode our luck a bit, defended superbly and now we've got them at our place for a replay on Monday."

Meanwhile, in a "Battle of the Roses", Leigh RMI from Lancashire were on the receiving end of a major upset when they crashed to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Harrogate Railway.

Scott Ryan scored twice for the Yorkshiremen and Richard Marshall and Daniel Davidson secured the Locomotives’ excellent home – which now sees them looking to emulate their 2002 FA Cup run.

Harrogate reached the Second Round Proper five years ago where they were drawn at home to Bristol City - who won the tie 3-1.

AFC Wimbledon put their recent poor form to one side as they won 5-1 away at Debenham LC, while Colwyn Bay were easily beaten 5-0 by Barrow.

Vauxhall Motors made it through to the Third Qualifying Round when they beat Gateshead 3-1 – and are joined by Blyth Spartans, Boston United and Tamworth.

FA Vase holders, Truro City, suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Bath City.