Howell at the double as Heathens see off Stansfeld in Vase
Ashley Howell was at the double to book Flackwell Heath a place in the third round of the FA Vase as they beat Stansfield 3-0 at Foxbury Avenue on Saturday.
The game was Flackwell’s first since their 4-0 win over Shrivenham on November 3.
Stansfield, meanwhile, looked to be in good form coming into the game fresh from their victory against AFC Hayes in the Vase on Sunday, December 6.
Just nine minutes into the game, the hosts were awarded a penalty when James Mansfield brought down Ollie Milton inside the area. Ross Morley stepped up but his shot was saved by
Aaron Watkins condemning the Stansfield man to a third consecutive penalty miss.
Three minutes later, Flackwell had the ball in the net down the other end when Mo Ceesay’s effort from a corner was parried out only as far as Howell who made no mistake slotting away the rebound.
Chances were few and far between in the remainder of the first half with Ben Holland unable to restore parity in the second minute of added time.
The Heathens could have doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when
Ceesay’s diving header forced an excellent save from Charlie Cottrell.
However, Cottrell’s moment of brilliance was left in vain when Marcus Richardson’s side scored their second goal in the 64th minute. From a dangerous cross, the Stansfield ‘keeper punched the ball away from the line but into the path of Howell who headed home his brace from outside the box. Ceesay put the game beyond doubt shortly after when he turned in Khalid Simmo’s cross, 15 minutes from time. Flackwell Heath will face Chatham Town away in the third round of the tournament this Saturday.