Debutants Leicester Road march on in FA Cup
Leicester Road FC 4 Retford United 2
LEICESTER Road are through to the preliminary round of the FA Cup after winning their replay at home to Retford United.
A Matty Stenson hat-trick and a goal from Tom McGlinchey mean that Neil Lyne’s men will be in the hat for the next round.
Joshua Smith made his return to the Leicester Road defence which allowed captain Greg Downes to revert back to his normal midfield role. Callum O’Sullivan dropped to the bench while Sam Munton replaced Alex Kent on the right side of midfield.
It took the hosts just three minutes to open the scoring after Stenson nodded home his first goal of the day. The early goal settled the hosts and they continued to create chance without adding to the score.
Retford looked more secure than they had in the first match and managed to level midway through the first half after a ball from the Leicester defence was intercepted, with the Retford striker applying a cool finish.
Stenson would score his second before half-time to ensure the home side went in leading.
Three minutes after the break Stenson grabbed his hat-trick to make the score 3-1.
Despite Leicester Road comfortably leading, the match remained open, providing great entertainment for the crowd.
Joshua Unsworth and Kemoy Sewell both came on to make their home debuts, with Callum O’Sullivan also entering the game.
Leicester Road finally delivered the knock-out blow when Joseph Lyne threaded the ball through to Tom McGlinchey who added the finish.
Retford reduced the deficit with the last touch of the game, bundling the ball over from close range.
Leicester Road can now look forward to the first preliminary round this Saturday when they entertain Harborough Town at Leicester Road stadium.