Kirkham & Wesham

3-2

Needham Market

Smith, Walwyn, Wane 

 

Dennis, Parker


The FA Carlsberg Vase
Semi-Final, First Leg
3pm, Saturday 22 March 2008
Kellamergh Park, Birley Arms, Kirkham and Wesham FC
Click here for results

Kirkham and Wesham fought back from being two goals down to claim a 3-2 victory over Needham Market in the first leg of their FA Vase Semi-Final at Kellamergh Park.

Both teams fought and scrapped throughout for an advantage, but it was Mark Wane’s 90th minute strike which finally tipped the tie in favour of the Lancashire side.

Kirkham, who sit fourth in the Vodkat League Division Two, fell behind on five minutes as midfielder Jay Dennis got the tie off to a flying start.

Craig Parker was on hand to double Market’s advantage soon after as the Suffolk side dominated the opening exchanges.

But Jed Smith netted on the stroke of half-time to leave the tie delicately poised at the interval.

The second half proved to be a bruising affair, with both sides squandering good opportunities before Matt Walwyn levelled the scores on 82 minutes.

A draw looked to be a fair reflection of this highly entertaining contest until Wayne’s 90th minute goal gave Mick Fuller’s team a slender advantage to carry into next week’s return fixture.

Over one thousand fans packed Kellamergh Park - falling only 40 short of a record attendance - as the home fans dreamt of a famous trip to Wembley.

Fuller admits he was delighted that his side found a way back into the tie after their nightmare start.

“I am very pleased with my players,” he said.

“But this tie is wide open and we are going to have to find another big performance next week to stand a chance.”