Cleeve take rapid route on road to Wembley
THREE goals in four minutes early on as Bishop’s Cleeve powered through the FA Cup extra preliminary round with a 3-0 win over a young Easington Sports side.
Both sides looked to play the ball along the ground in blustery conditions, the visitors having the first chance as Luke Swann attempted to float one over Matt Wieczorek.
But when Steve Davies’ shot was cleared straight to Jack Watts, he had no trouble slotting home to open the scoring for the hosts.
Less than two minutes later Davies was again involved in the build-up, this time drawing the goalkeeper out and crossing for Harrison Iddles to find the empty net.
And Davies was then again provider when his cross found Mike Davis at the far post for the third.
Swann tested Wieczorek before Iddles saw his shot saved at the other end.
Easington’s best chance of the first half came shortly before the break when Cleeve gave the ball away at the back but Swann saw his shot well saved.
Callum Convey hit the crossbar for the visitors from a free-kick on the stroke of half-time.
Substitute Owen James looked like he could make something happen for the visitors but despite a couple of driving runs, he could not beat the goalkeeper at the near post.
Cleeve manager Steve Cleal said: “I think the first 15-20 minutes we really blew them away and Steve Davies’ link up play in the final third was superb.
“The first half we were well in control and then we turned round in the second half with the wind at our backs but then never really got going.
Cleeve will host Kidlington in the preliminary round on August 24.
Two goals from Connor Thompson helped Fairford Town past Enfield 1893 3-2, Ben Lodge grabbing the first.
But Cheltenham Saracens are out after going down 6-2 at Newport Pagnell Town, all eight goals coming in the first half.
Harlie Price grabbed Saracens second after an own goal.
Preliminary round (August 24): Bishop’s Cleeve v Kidlington, Brimscombe & Thrupp v Aylesbury United, Cirencester Town v Tuffley Rovers or North Greenford United, Dunstable Town v Shortwood United, Evesham United v Harefield United, Fairford Town v Hanwell Town, Longlevens v Northwood, Marlow v Cinderford Town, Slimbridge v Burnham or Tring Athletic