[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bristol Manor Farm strike twice in the second half to inflict a 2-0 victory over Step 3 Gosport Borough and progress into the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, writes William Ledbury.
Just seven days after their heartbreaking result against Sholing, the Manor Farm camp couldn’t have asked for a better reaction from the players as they brushed aside higher-league opposition on a sun-kissed afternoon on the Portway. Evander Grubb lashed the ball high into the roof of the net, and Jake Gosling added gloss to the performance when he swept the ball home late on.
The afternoon could easily have started on the wrong foot for Manor Farm when Ben John threw himself at the ball to deny Gosport.
Although Grubb did in fact get on the score sheet, his prosperous afternoon in a Farm shirt could have started sooner when his effort was cleared off the line after a curling effort.
Ben John was called into action on 30 minutes when Gosport fired a strike from distance, however, the veteran keeper threw himself to the left and palmed the ball away to safety.
They say lighting doesn’t strike twice, but for Grubb’s case, it does. The youngster couldn’t believe his luck when his shot beat past the keeper – and to Farm’s bemusement – the ball hit the defender’s hand and onto the post. However, no penalty was awarded.
Gosport took the match to Manor Farm in the second half, but the Farmers back line held firm and were determined to avoid a repeat of last Saturday.
Owen Howe came very close to scoring when his strike flew wide of the back post.
Third times a charm, and Grubb’s excellent performance was rewarded when he broke free and buried a strike high into the roof of the net. He wheeled away in celebration with the jubilant Farmy Army joining in with the celebrations.
Week in, week out, Jake Gosling continues to terrorise defences in the Division One South and did exactly the same when Step 3 Gosport came to town. The central midfielder demonstrated his class when he dribbled past three players inside the area to tuck the ball into the bottom right corner.
Gosport did throw everything at the home defence late on, but the Farmers were in a defiant mood as they progressed into the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy. Attention turns to another crucual match on Tuesday evening, with Bishops Cleeve the next side to visit The BS3 Services Stadium.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]