Whites progress in FA Cup after narrow win

Sunday, 3 September 2023 01:00

Salisbury are through to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after a 3-2 victory against Bridgwater United.

The home side made hard work of winning the game, and the scoreline probably should have been more comfortable.

Salisbury got off to a fast start and opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Gunson whipped in a dangerous corner, and Aaron McCreadie was the man arriving at the right time to head home.

Salisbury continued to create chances as the half went on despite losing Theo Lewis to an injury. Viney, in the Bridgwater goal, was the busier of the two 'keepers, but Salisbury weren't able to take any of their opportunities.

Bridgwater continued to battle and created a chance as the game approached the 40th minute, Jack Thorne, the player, to apply the finish underneath Gould.

Level at half time, Salisbury again started the second half quickly.

Three minutes into the second half, the home side reestablished their lead. A through ball from Dan Fitchett found Charlie Gunson one-on-one; he kept his cool, rounded the keeper and dinked home.

Salisbury then doubled their advantage five minutes later as Fitchett added a goal to his assist. Josh Hedges reacted quickly to poor defensive clearance and teed Dan Fitchett for a tap-in.

Image: Andrew Palk

The Whites had chances to put the game to bed and again couldn't find that ruthless edge.

Bridgwater were taking their chances, though and set up a nervy end to the game when they grabbed on back with 13 minutes left on the clock. Wright curled his effort beyond Gould to give the away side hope.

Salisbury were able to see the game out and again created more chances with the scoreline closer than the performance could have seen.

Manager Brian Dutton thought Salisbury should have had an easier passage, "Well, we made that more hard work than we should have. They were never coming to lie down and have their bellies tickled.

"We didn't keep our standards high; we dropped our levels and let them have passages in the game.

"Your subconscious mind takes over; you've got to earn it. It's becoming a bit of a habit; we've done it against Hungerford, Supermarine and now against Bridgwater.

"It's something I will be talking about, making sure the players understand; we need to go for the jugular, make it three, four, five when we have the chance."

The draw for the second qualifying round of the FA Cup takes place tomorrow (Monday, 4th September).

Up next for Salisbury is another home game as they welcome Walton and Hersham to the Ray Mac - kick off at 3pm on Saturday, 9th September.

Feature Image: Andrew Palk

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