Andy Munns
Salisbury have been knocked out of a second FA competition in a week after losing on penalities, at Gosport Borough.
A Noah Coppin brace saw Salisbury push Gosport to the end in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
The home side got off to a good start, but it was the Whites who took the lead after 11 minutes.
Aaron McCready sent the ball out wide to Noah Coppin who cut in from the left, weaving past players and lashed the ball into the top corner.
Salisbury had good chances to extend the lead as the half progressed, but Coppin and then Sam Ashton were unable to convert their chances and they led 1-0 at half time.
Gosport again came out of the blocks fast at the start of the second half and gained parity within 3 minutes of the restart.
Salisbury gave the away ball deep in their own half, and Rafael Ramos was able to make them pay for the mistake on 48 minutes.
Brian Dutton’s side had chances to retake the lead, Coppin missing one of the best chances when he missed the target from a few yards out after a teasing ball from McCreadie on 56 minutes.
Gosport took advantage and took the lead themselves on the hour mark when Ramos grabbed his second of the game applying the finish after a corner was flicked on.
Salisbury went back on the offensive straight away with Gosport putting bodies on the line to block shots from both McCreadie and Sommerton.
Both sides were reduced to ten men as the game entered the final 10 minutes of the 90. First, Gosport skipper Rory Williams was shown a second yellow card for desent on 81 minutes.
Just four minutes later, Salisbury’s captain also went for an early bath for a tackle that prevented a dangerous looking challenge and was shown his second yellow card.
Gosport looked to have done enough as the game headed into added time at the end of the match, but Coppin had other ideas, getting on the end of a McCreadie cross to fire home via a deflection to send the game to a penalty shootout.
Gosport’s ‘keeper was the difference, saving from Gunson, McCreadie and Coppin seeing Borough through and sending Salisbury out of their second cup competition in a week on penalties, 3-1.
Up next for Salisbury is a visit of Gosport Borough as both clubs return to league action at the Ray Mac on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.
