Report by North Derbyshire Radio’s David Bell

Despite a performance full of heart and commitment, two late goals from step five side Handsworth FC saw them progress to the first round proper of the FA Vase at the expense of Dronfield Town. Prolific marksman Mitch Dunne put the Sheffield-based side ahead on 74 minutes and substitute Jordan Hines confirmed their passage to the next stage with seven minutes remaining in the tie. Dronfield battled throughout in a manner that should see them in good stead for the league programme to come but ultimately it was just a step too far against their higher-ranked opponents. The North Derbyshire side’s United Counties League campaign resumes with a trip into the Nottinghamshire countryside to face Southwell City next Saturday.

While the commitment of both sides couldn’t be faulted, chances were at a premium in the early stages of the contest. Alfie Dodsworth for Handsworth managed the first shot of the game on the 11th minute mark but his strike curled horribly out of play.

Better for Handsworth was the delicate chip from Mitch Dunne just a minute later that only just cleared Lewis Naylor’s crossbar but Dronfield were not without their moments too.

Callum Martin’s pressure saw him nick the ball off Ben Harriott on 18 minutes but his cross across the open goal went unfinished by his team-mates.

As the half drew to a close, Dunne’s right wing cross was headed over by a sprawling Luke Mangham and three minutes from the interval, Naylor saved from Mason Smith low to his left hand side. The opening 45 minutes had been entertaining but that hadn’t translated into an abundance of goalmouth action.

The second period started off in much the same vein. It took until the hour mark when Dunne poked the ball into the grateful arms of Naylor after the lively Dodsworth’s right wing cross.

Dronfield matched Handsworth in the midfield battle throughout but the better chances came the way of the NCEL Premier Division side. On 68 minutes, Tyler Williams left flank delivery saw Mangham’s glancing header go wide of the mark.

Handsworth took the lead on 74 minutes. A ball in towards the penalty spot saw Mitch Dunne hold off Ryan Watters and stab into the goal to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Dronfield, understandably given their exertions, ran out of steam from this point as moments later, Charlie Booker’s cross fizzed across the face of goal as Handsworth continued to press.

With 10 minutes to go, Dunne was played into the open but Naylor came from goal to make an excellent save with his legs from the free-scoring front man.

Handsworth sealed their passage to the next round on 83 minutes. Naylor attempted to come from his goal once more but Handsworth substitute Jordan Hines made it to the ball first, dinking it over the Dronfield stopper and into the net to make it 2-0.

Dronfield ran their bench but it proved to be a step too far as their FA Vase hopes disappeared for another season. There was much to commend in the display from the men from S18 however and with a similar level of commitment in the league games to follow, they should start to climb the table.

Dronfield Town: Naylor, Watters, Ireland, Appleyard, Thompson, Mawbey, Chapell, Reardon, Martin, Bebbington, Benaissa. Subs: Rogers, Morgan, Simpkins, Worrall.

Handsworth FC: Pollard, Smith, Williams T, Williams J, Harriott, Houth, Dodsworth, Kenyon, Mangham, Arbouin, Dunne. Subs: Simmonite, Hines, Booker, Haigh, Thorpe.

Attendance: 127