Report by North Derbyshire Radio Senior Sports Editor Matthew Rhodes
THE WORLD’S FIRST TAKEN TO A REPLAY IN THE FA CUP
Sheffield FC drew 1-1 against fellow NCEL Premier Division side Albion Sports in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup at The Home Of Football Stadium in Dronfield.
The World’s First will now face their West Yorkshire opponents in a replay away from home on Tuesday 5th August.
Sheffield FC got off to a great start and took the lead after only 11 minutes played. An excellent right-wing delivery was met by Nat Crofts and his close-range header found the back of the net.
The hosts really should have extended their lead by the time the interval arrived. Alex Hardwick saw a close-range effort superbly tipped over the bar by the Albion Sports goalkeeper. Hardwick came close again when another close-range attempt following a corner-kick hit the woodwork just before half-time.
These missed opportunities proved to be costly for Vill Powell’s side.
The visitors improved as the second half progressed as Sheffield sat back and continued to soak up more pressure.
Albion Sports grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 72nd minute when veteran striker Nathan Cartman placed the ball expertly past Sheffield goalkeeper Jim Pollard.
With the score now at 1-1, Sheffield still didn’t pose the same threat that they carried in the first half and the Albion Sports goalkeeper was never really called into urgent action.
Ultimately, the hosts did well to take the cup tie to a replay. With the game in the dying stages, Albion Sports continued to push hard for a winner and Pollard made a terrific save very late in the match to keep The World’s First in the competition.
The final whistle was blown shortly afterwards in front of a good crowd of over 300. Sheffield FC manager Vill Powell will be well aware that he’ll need to see a notable improvement over 90 minutes in the replay if his side are to reach the next round of the world’s oldest cup competition in the sport.
After the game Sheffield FC manager Vill Powell spoke to North Derbyshire Radio’s Senior Sports Editor Matthew Rhodes.
