FA Trophy round-up | Four NPL sides progress
Barwell, Boldmere St Michaels, Congleton Town and Pontefract Collieries all booked their spot in FA Trophy first round qualifying over the weekend.
A 74th minute header from Congleton defender Julius Ndene was enough to separate the hosts from NPL East Division side Beverley Town at the Cleric Stadium, while Jimmy Williams’ Pontefract side edged past West Division side Clitheroe 2-1 in dramatic fashion to book a trip to Padiham in the next round.
Despite conceding an early lead courtesy of a ninth-minute Nathan Sandison strike, Jack Wilson’s deflected effort flew past Clitheroe keeper Liam Isherwood to level the scoreline.
But as the contest looked set for penalties at the Hunters Stadium, winger Wilson struck again with a moment of brilliance as his free-kick nestled in the top corner to secure a 2-1 victory in the 95th minute.
Over at the Boldmere Community Stadium, hosts Boldmere St Michaels defeated NPL Midlands Division rivals Long Eaton United 2-0 to secure a home tie against St Ives Town.
Fraser Doyle’s header opened the scoring in the 20th minute, before substitute Daniele Reka made an almost instant impact off the bench to bag the second on the hour and seal victory.
Fellow Midlands Division side Barwell also made their through after a crushing 4-1 win at Worcestershire-based Sporting Club Inkberrow.
Substitute Charlie Dowd bagged two, with Shay Willock and Leke Shodunke scoring the others for the Canaries.
The next round of the competition will take place on Saturday 29 August.
All results involving Northern Premier League sides* are listed below:
Results - FA Trophy preliminary round
Boldmere St Michaels 2-0 Long Eaton United
Congleton Town 1-0 Beverley Town
Pontefract Collieries 2-1 Clitheroe
Sporting Club Inkberrow 1-4 Barwell
*Bold signifies Northern Premier League team