FA Cup misery as only Ilkeston go through

MICKLEOVER bowed out of the FA Cup in a penalty shoot-out away to National League South St Albans City.

Their third qualifying round tie finished 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes but Mickleover missed out 4-3 from the spot.

Sports made a good start but they fell behind after 24 minutes when James Kaloczi met a free kick to head into the bottom corner for the Saints.

John McGrath’s side spurned chances to hit back but, in the 51st minute, Declan Bacon netted from point-blank range to make it 1-1.

The home side had most of the possession and created the better opportunities for the rest of the contest but it went to penalties.

Kemy Agustien and Stuart Beavon missed from the spot for Mickleover.

Matlock Town manager Paul Phillips was left fuming as Matlock Town fell to a 2-0 FA Cup defeat away to Guiseley.

Referee Ed Duckworth was the target of Phillips’ anger after the official sent off the Gladiators’ Liam Hughes and Adam Yates. Assistant coach and substitute Kade Coppin was was also shown a red card in the tunnel at half-time.

The Gladiators had to play all but the first eight minutes without captain Hughes and Yates received a harsh second yellow card on the hour.

“The referee wanted to be the centre of attention, he’s booked loads of players and sent two off the field in what was never a dirty game,” said Phillips.

“We got the brunt of it but he was bad for both sides. It was a big game for both clubs and he wasn’t experienced enough to handle it.”

Lebrun Mbeka scored a penalty to give Guiseley a 23rd-minute lead and Jonathan Wafula got their second midway through the second half.

Alfreton Town are also out of the Cup. They had to concede their tie against FC United of Manchester after a member of the club tested positive for Covid-19.

“All at the club are devastated to have to withdraw from the competition and we wish FC United all the best in the next round,” said an Alfreton statement.

That leaves Ilkeston Town as the only club from the region into the fourth qualifying round, after a goal from Ollie Brown-Hill in the second half was enough to beat Alvechurch at the New Manor Ground.

The draw was due to be made today.