Penalty heartbreak for Manor Farm after a stalemate with Havant and Waterlooville at the NL Services Stadium.
Both sides had made a strong start in their respective divisions and Havant knew their higher league superiority would count for little in this contest. They did start brightly and after a combative ten minutes, Harvey Bradbury fired just wide. Farm answered back with their first chance a minute later. Abu Sama did well on the left and his cross was met by Louis Britton but the shot lacked the power to beat Havant keeper Ben Dudzinsk. Havant opened the scoring just before the half hour after some penalty box pinball. Farm’s initial clearance rebounded and fell perfectly to former Southampton youngster Ryan Seager, who was never likely to miss from a few yards out. Farm’s first chance to level fell to striker Dylan Tate. The forward’s audacious flick went narrowly wide after he met a Mason Winter delivery. Farm were coming from all angles as the half drew to a close, with fullback Aron Robbins having the final pair of chances. He volleyed over following a corner before being teed up from a free kick, where his shot fizzed just wide.
Louis Britton’s goalless midweek outing felt like a drought with the form he was in this season and he ended that short wait for another goal after an hour. Josh Bissett earned himself a yard to fire an effort towards goal and despite Dudzinsk making a low save, Britton was on hand to hammer home the leveller. The sides were cancelling each other out for much of the last half hour but it was Farm who had the final chance to steal the victory. Robbins superb cross was met by Britton but his header was just over the bar.
Both sides had won a penalty shootout along their road to the first round proper but it would be the visitors who prevailed. Farm missed their opening two and with Havant perfect from three so far, Reuben Austin slotted in to end the contest and send his side into the second round.