Upsets as cup gets into full swing

The Doodson Sport Cup's second round was in full swing this week with several `upsets` recorded in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's League Cup, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

There was also one delayed first round tie between Witton Albion and Curzon Ashton which saw the Premier Division hosts go through 1-0 against their First Division North promotion-chasing visitors, courtesy of a Danny Andrews effort after 31 minutes at Wincham Park.

First Division South side Gresley FC produced one of the 'shocks' of the week by beating Premier Division Grantham Town 2-0 on their own Meres patch. Goals from Jack Langston after 71 minutes and Paolo Piliero two minutes from the end saw the Moatmen through.

Gresley's league rivals and neighbours Loughborough Dynamo caused another 'upset' by ousting Premier Division strugglers Stafford Rangers from the competition at the Nanpantan Sports Ground.

Jake Betts gave the hosts the boost of an early third minute lead that Luke Smithson doubled in the 10th minute. Paris Bateman reduced the arrears just after the break, but Smithson again on 56 minutes, and Kris Nurse in the 70th minute, gave Dynamo a commanding 4-1 lead that Dan Cope did cut nine minutes from time.

Although Darlington 1883 and Ossett Town are First Division North rivals, Town's win against their promotion-chasing hosts can be classed a 'surprise'.

With one eye on the clash at league leaders Warrington Town on Saturday, Quakers manager Martin Gray omitted as many regular players as he was permitted by the rules, but just like the 183 fans there, he would have been disappointed with their lacklustre performance, especially after Quakers had convincingly beaten Ossett twice already this season.

And they got off to a great start too with Alan White putting them ahead after only seven minutes. Crucially, Ryan Qualter equalised right on the stroke of half-time, and that gave Town the confidence to go on and win it with a quickfire Calum Ward brace in the 64th and 66th minutes.

All-Premier Division encounters saw FC United of Manchester go through at the expense of Ashton United at Stalybridge Celtic's Bower Fold, thanks to goals from Liam Brownhill and Gregg Daniels in the final eight minutes of the game.

Barwell beat Rushall Olympic by the same scoreline at Kirkby Road with Jack Edwards and Luke Barlone scoring within two minutes of each other midway through the second half.

Stamford AFC saw off Worksop Town 3-1 at Kettering Road, but again left it late. The Daniels took a 17th minute lead through recent signing Nabil Sharif, but the Tigers bit back through Jack Adams seven minutes later. Extra-time loomed until the home side took the tie with goals in the final five minutes from Ryan Robbins and David Moyo.

Nantwich Town went through comprehensively at Shawe View against Trafford, being gifted a 24th minute own goal from Nia Bayunu and then having the prolific Steve Foster bag a brace in the 48th and 80th minutes and Ben Deegan add a fourth in stoppage time.

Premier Division sides through against lower division opponents included high-flyers Skelmersdale United, who won 2-0 at Stainton Park against First Division North Radcliffe Borough, courtesy of strikes from Jack Laird in the 25th and 69th minutes.

Frickley Athletic eased out First Division South side Belper Town 1-0 at Westfield Lane, thanks to a 16th minute Gavin Allott effort.

Promotion-chasers AFC Fylde went through 3-1 at home against First Division North side Burscough, although they only led 1-0 from Aaron Fleming's 33rd minute opener until he eventually doubled the Coasters' lead in the 68th minute. The Linnets threatened a comeback when Conor Roberts reduced the deficit six minutes from time, but Joey Mullen made sure with a third for Dave Challinor's side.

In all-First Division North ties, Bamber Bridge were 2-0 up at half-time through a Liam Hollett own goal and a Mark Buchan strike but a quick turnaround after the break saw Cammell Laird get back on even terms through Paul Foy and Craig Cairns. But Ali Waddecar struck five minutes from time to ensure Brig's win, taking their unbeaten run to thirteen in all competitions.

It was goalless after 90 minutes at Station View between Harrogate Railway Athletic and Farsley AFC, with the visitors triumphing 4-2 on penalties.

All-First Division South encounters saw Chasetown edge out hosts Kidsgrove Athletic by the odd goal in five – the Scholars being pegged back after leading 3-0 with goals from Simon Brown, with two and the second from the spot – and Nick Wellecomme. But Karl Espley and Ryan Grocutt`s replies midway through the second half caused a nervy finale.

And Brigg Town are also through at the expense of Scarborough Athletic, thanks to two goals in two minutes midway through the first half from Jordan Thewlis and Liam Dickens.