Saturday 9 November 2024
Isuzu FA Vase
2nd Round
Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 0
West Didsbury & Chorlton 2
Banister 31
Dass 90+2
Attendance: 389
West line-up:
1 Martin, 2 Kenny (17 Bailey 90+2), 3 Sutton, 4 McConnell, 5 Riley, 6 Rowney (c), 7 Banister (12 Dass 83), 8 Murray, 9 Grimshaw (16 Abadaki 59), 10 Lazenbury (14 Billingsley 65), 11 Matthews (15 Darkwah 73).
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West scored in each half to end Ryton & Crawcrook Albion's best ever FA Vase run and propel themselves into the 3rd Round for the third season running.
Paul Marshall made three changes to the side that picked up an important win at Squires Gate in midweek as Jack McConnell, Billy Matthews and Lee Grimshaw came in, while Zak Bailey and Cam Darkwah moved to the bench. Connor Hughes is unavailable for West in the Vase having appeared for Chadderton in an earlier round of this season's edition.
The pitch was unpredictable and made for a more level playing field - though level was something the playing field certainly wasn't. Far from a complaint, it made for a proper contest and classic cup tie.
West started on the front foot and should have been in front after 90 seconds but Jordan Lazenbury could only volley over after being found by Jack Banister's cross.
RACA were soon up and running themselves, Louis Calvert and Matt Hayton both forcing Ollie Martin into saves as most of the game was being played in the penalty boxes. Jack Banister came closest for West, who were finding joy on both wings, but RACA were committed to attacking whenever possible with Dale Burrell and Morgan Dart further testing Martin.
Banister wasn't to be denied on 31 minutes, firing West into the lead from 15 yards after Lazenbury's shot had been blocked inside a busy area, and West took a lead to the dressing rooms for the first time in an away Vase tie since Bacup two years ago.
The second half was played with drizzle and worsening light constant, as both sides looked to achieve their objectives - West to gain breathing space, RACA to equalise. Opportunities for both arrived quickly - Jack McConnell shot over from a corner before Matt Harrison fired through a crowd at the other end, West grateful to see the ball whistle wide.
Twice the woodwork came to RACA's rescue as the game entered the final quarter, Chris Rowney seeing a 25-yarder draw onto the outside of the upright before Banister turned and shot low across goal only to see the ball hit the base of back post - Abadaki blasted the rebound over while under pressure from last ditch defending.
Rhys MacLeod and Glenn Caygill had RACA's last moments of note but Martin's resolve wasn't to be broken. Caygill's afternoon came to slightly early end as we entered five minutes of stoppage time - a ball over the top put Abadaki clear but RACA's number six made sure he didn't get the chance, taking a second booking of the afternoon as penance.
The duel was finally put to bed two minutes later as substitute Reuben Dass threaded a shot underneath Colquhoun at the second attempt, celebrating a richly deserved first goal for West and delighting the fantastic travelling support.
The full time whistle announced West's passage into the next round, setting up a home tie with familiar opponents as NCEL Premier Division side Silsden will visit Brookburn Road for the second time this season, on Saturday 7th December.
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We spoke to West manager Paul Marshall after the match:
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Your Real Change MCR Supporter of the Match was Seth and his Player of the Match was Ollie Martin.
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Browse through our wonderful match galleries, from club photographers:
Nathan Ashmall, Chris Michell, Jack Todd and Christina Bowett.
