Manor Farm crash out of the FA Trophy as Bishop’s Cleeve avenge their FA Cup defeat, writes Jack Davies.
Farm were excellent a few weeks ago on this ground, scoring three in the early going. They couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start this time around however, as Jay Malshanskyj seized on a Farm defensive mix up to give Cleeve the lead. Harry Lucas accidentally took out defensive partner Mason Winter, and the forward raced through to finish. Farm then turned their aggreavence from themselves to the official, as Evander Grubb was denied a stonewall penalty as he was clipped by the home keeper. Despite the setback, it was Owen Brain who had Farm’s first real chance before the half hour. He collected from Grubb before lashing an effort that was saved by Clayton. Cleeve carried plenty of threat as Farm probed for the equaliser. Ethan Dunbar forced a save from Seth Locke before firing an effort off the crossbar. Farm’s final chance of the half fell to the skipper. Brain flicked through to Jamie Adams, who was denied by Clayton.
Farm started the second half much more brightly and should have levelled within the first few moments. Jayden Nielsen headed just wide at the far post and then sent a shot agonisingly wide from Brain’s clever pass. Despite the pressure, Farm would be punished for more defensive errors. A long ball was allowed to bounce through and Ross Langworthy doubled the home lead. Far from lie down, Farm rallied after the second setback and found a foothold in the game on the hour. Evander Grubb collected on the edge of the area and curled a beauty passed Clayton. The comeback was short and sweet however as Farm were punished in transition once more. A counter saw Dunbar and Malshanskyj through and the former found the latter for his brace. Grubb would have the final word and his own personal performance was rewarded with a second goal. More clinical finishing from the teenager in injury time but sadly it came too late.