Bognor Regis conjured up a novel way of defrosting their pitch on Tuesday night and it paid off, as they knocked Altrincham out of The FA Trophy second round.
An hour before kick-off, six cars were driven onto the pitch to help defrost an icy patch – and the unorthodox move worked.
The FA Trophy
Second Round Proper
19-21 January 2016
Winners receive £6000 from prize fund
By Paddy von Behr
Click here for results
Altrincham, whose supporters breathed a sigh of relief after making a 254-mile trip to West Sussex, were behind to a Craig Robson goal after the break.
The National League side hit back through James Lawrie but their hosts – sixth in the Isthmian Premier League – won it five minutes from time when James Crane fired in off the post, to set up a third round clash with Sutton United.
Elsewhere, Macclesfield Town secured safe passage to the third round with a 2-0 home win in their replay with Truro City.
Danny Whittaker put the Silkmen ahead after 20 minutes, before Kristian Dennis made sure of the result from the penalty spot towards the end.
There will be a replay next week between Nantwich Town and Bradford Park Avenue after they played out a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night.
Potential issue here at Bognor with part of the pitch frozen. 6 cars are currently trying to thaw out the surface. pic.twitter.com/umOB574pVe
— Altrincham FC (@altrinchamfc) January 19, 2016
Nantwich silenced the home crowd shortly before the hour mark when Josh Hancock popped up at the back post to put them ahead.
However, Avenue fought back and equalised through Michael Potts, who reacted quickest 15 minutes from time to prod home and secure a return trip to Cheshire.
And, in the only other FA Trophy game this week, Shaun Tuton’s fourth goal in as many games ensured Halifax Town saw off the challenge of Barrow.
Jim Harvey’s side – now unbeaten in their last ten games – will host Chester early next month in the third round.
