Romford earn point at Sudbury
FA Trophy
Hornchurch 0 Farnborough 0
Urchins will have to do it all again on Wednesday evening after they were held to a goalless draw by Conference South side Farnborough at Bridge Avenue.
Lewis Smith was sent off for two bookable offences in the opening period, the first of which was a needless shirt pull, then for a late challenge with only a minute to go before the half-time interval.
The game will not be remembered as an action-packed encounter, but one in which the hosts had the lion’s share of possession and chances.
In the opening half Jonathan Hunt’s free-kick was gathered by goalkeeper Tom Lovelock and Martin Tuohy saw a shot blocked.
But Farnborough could argue they had the clearer chances as confusion in the Urchins backline let in Reece Connolly but the onrushing Joe Woolley thwarted the danger.
Then Ronnie Fletcher’s slip let in Connolly again after 43 minutes, but his effort across goal went wide of the target.
Despite the numerical disadvantage following Smith’s dismissal, it was the Urchins who started the second half on top when Tuohy headed wide.
But there was still some danger at the other end when Connolly shot over the bar from just outside the area.
And though both sides pushed to find a winner, they were forced to settle for a replay.
Given their exceptional away form this season, Jimmy McFarlane’s men should be confident of reaching the last 32 in midweek.
Ryman Division 1N
Sudbury 2 Romford 2
Boro had to settle for a point after a 2-2 draw at Ryman One North rivals Sudbury.
New loan signing Ellis Skidmore, having joined from Concord alongside local striker Kane Mesenger yesterday, netted twice inside seven minutes to give Paul Martin’s men a perfect start.
But Richard Howell hit back either side of the break to give the hosts a share of the spoils.
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