FA Vase Shootout success puts Abbotonians into second round
OLDLAND Abbotonians pulled off an outstanding FA Vase first round victory at home to high-flying Toolstation League Premier Division visitors Helston Athletic.
Abbotonians, going well themselves in the First Division, prevailed 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes.
Casey Woodman’s 25-yard drive, which found the net via the underside of the crossbar, provided a first-half equaliser. Then, after
Helston had gone back in front on 75 minutes, Abbotonians forced the shootout with a far-post finish from Frang Gingell in the 88th minute.
Keynsham Town progressed to the second round with a 3-2 success against Newquay in Cornwall.
Two goals from Jordan Metters and one from Dan Cottle secured the win for Keynsham, who had trailed 2-1 in the second half.
No other local team made it through, and there was penalty shootout agony for two teams.
Ashton & Backwell United lost 4-3 on spot-kicks following a 0-0 draw at home to Bemerton Heath Harlequins, while Cadbury Heath lost 6-5 on pens after a 1-1 draw at home to Hamworthy United. Dean Preddie had equalised for Heath with a 61st-minute header.
Perhaps the shock of the round locally was defeat for Bitton, semifinalists two seasons ago and second in the Toolstation Premier Division.
Kye Mountford’s team lost 4-2 at home to lower-status New Milton United, having been 2-0 down at the break. Callum Ball and Matt Groves struck for Bitton.
Welton Rovers lost for the first time this season as they went down 2-1 at Brimscombe & Thrupp, who grabbed an 88th-minute winner. Jake Slocombe had equalised for Welton in the first half with his 13th goal of the season.
Jake Hodgson’s stoppage-time goal was merely a consolation for Cribbs in a 2-1 defeat at home to Andover New Street, while Chipping Sodbury Town suffered a 4-1 defeat at Torpoint Athletic, who led 2-0 at half-time.