Full steam ahead as Rail maintain proud Emirates FA Cup run

Wednesday 10 Aug 2016
Harrogate Railway Athletic reached the Emirates FA Cup second round in 2002

Harrogate Railway Athletic's fondness for The Emirates FA Cup shone through on Wednesday, as they beat Albion Sports 3-0 in their extra preliminary round replay.

The Rail, enjoying their 30th FA Cup campaign, have twice reached the second round proper and never been knocked out at this stage of the competition before.

They ran the risk of letting that proud tradition slip when they were held to a 1-1 draw with Albion Sports at the weekend.

Emirates FA Cup

Extra Preliminary Round replays

Wednesday 10 August 2016 

By Joshua Richards

And after being held at half time in the replay they eventually triumphed thanks to two goals from Stephen Bromley, before Chris Ovington’s late effort.

The Rail now advance to play Norton Stockton Ancients, who came from behind to beat Whitley Bay by 2-1.

Nathan Benger bagged a first-half hat-trick as Heanor Town beat Hinckley AFC 5-1.

The sides drew 1-1 in their initial meeting, but there was little parity in the replay as the Lions raced into a 4-0 lead at the interval – Kieran Debrouwer adding to Benger’s treble.

Debrouwer struck his second after the break to make certain of Heanor’s progress before a late consolation from Sam Agar.

Elsewhere, Shepton Mallett marched into the preliminary round with a 2-0 win at Willand Rovers.

James Billing headed in the opener on 35 minutes, before Ashley Willmott curled in the second after the interval. 

Hengrove Athletic lost their extra preliminary round tie for a third successive season, after going down 3-1 to Verwood Town.

The Potters took the lead on three minutes through James Guthrie and, though Josh Hemmings had levelled for Hengrove, Guthrie struck again after the interval before James Bergin made progress certain.

Brothers Ian and Lee Robinson were both on target as Newhaven beat Rochester United 4-1 after extra time.

John Poizer’s 12th minute strike was enough to send West Didsbury & Chorlton through at the expense of AFC Liverpool.

Kirkley and Pakefield scored two late goals to stun Walsham Le Willows and progress with a 2-1 win.

While Dudley Sports squeezed past Nuneaton Griff on penalties, following a 3-3 draw after extra time.

By FA Staff