Photo credit: Joe Franklin (photos show Crawley Town FC v Bristol Rovers)
After an exciting build up, Merstham’s FA Cup dream came to an end after losing five nil to Oxford United on Saturday. Ian Lamont was at the game:
It was better news for Crawley who hosted Bristol Rovers. Their FA Cup hopes are still alive, as Joe Franklin reports:
Merstham FC take on Oxford United tomorrow at home in the local club’s first ever FA cup first round appearance.
Oxford are four leagues above Merstham, but boss Hayden Bird believes it is possible for the underdogs to win, noting there is often an upset most years in the FA Cup.
Kick-off is at 12:30pm tomorrow and you can keep up to date with the goals as they happen here on Susy Radio 103.4 FM.
Crawley Town Captain Jimmy Smith has extended his contract at the club until June 2019.
The 29 year old midfielder has made 92 appearances for the club since joining in 2014 from Stevenage.
Speaking of resigning at the club Jimmy said he was ‘delighted’ and spoke of his enjoyment playing under Head Coach Dermot Drummy.
In League 2, Crawley Town lost 3-1 away to Carlisle United on Saturday.
There were mixed results for our local teams in the FA Trophy first qualifying round at the weekend. Merstham are through to the next round after winning 5-0 away to Walton Abbey. South Park are also through; they came back from being 2-0 down, beating Faversham Town 4-3 away. Joe Jackson scored a hat trick. East Grinstead lost 3-2 away to Phoenix Sports, and Horsham are also out of the FA Trophy after losing 3-1 at home to Romford.
Elsewhere, Redhill drew 4-4 away to South Park Reserves. Horley Town won 2-0 away to Abbey Rangers.
In League 2, Crawley Town FC were held to a goalless draw by Accrington Stanley at the Checkatrade Stadium on Saturday.
Merstham drew 1-1 at home to Billericay Town in the Ryman Premier Division. In the Ryman South Division, Horsham won 3-1 away to South Park. East Grinstead drew 1-1 at home to Walton Casuals, and Three Bridges lost 4-2 away to Greenwich Borough.
It was bad news for our two local teams in the first round proper of the FA Vase. Horley Town lost 2-0 to Eastbourne United and Lingfield FC lost 5-3 away to Alresford .
In the Combined Counties Division One, Redhill won 2-1 at home to Farleigh Rovers.
