Holyport drawn away to Lydd Town after overcoming Hounslow on pens
Holyport have been drawn away to Lydd Town in the first round of the FA Vase after overcoming CB Hounslow United 5-4 on penalty kicks at the weekend.
Port and CB Hounslow had some history heading into Saturday's game, with Port having stayed up on goal difference from their rivals on the final day of last season.
With their Combined Counties Premier Division North status on the line, Port were beaten 1-0 by Southall on the final day, but Hounslow's 4-0 reverse against North Greenford United saw them go down on goal difference, so they'll have had revenge on their minds heading into Saturday's final qualifying round clash.
Holyport played pretty well in the first half on Saturday, but it took a wonder goal from Harry Hoath to give
them the lead. Hoath appeared to be shaping up for a cross into the box when the visitors were awarded a free kick on the left around 30 yards out, but Hoath caught everyone out with a rocket of a shot into the net.
Hoath then went from hero to villain a few minutes before the break, when he missed the chance to make it 2-0, firing wide from the penalty spot.
Hounslow levelled matters a minute after the restart and, while Port pushed for a winner in the closing stages, the game was decided on penalty kicks.
Goalkeeper Sam Gray was the hero for Port in the shoot-out, saving two Hounslow spot-kicks, leaving Austen Edwards to sweep home the winning penalty.
Port will visit Lydd Town of the Southern Counties East League Division 1 on Saturday, October 22. Winning clubs will receive £825 from the FA's prize fund.
“We could have finished the game off in the first half, we missed a penalty and other opportunities,” said Lock.
“We made life difficult for ourselves, but as a group, it doesn't matter how you get there (into the hat) as long as you get there.
“I'm just so proud of the players who stepped forward and said 'yeah, I'll do it (take a penalty)'. I can't ask any more than that. I don't care if they score or miss, ultimately you want them to score goals and to win games, but the ones who stepped forward, they'll get so much experience from doing that, unquestionably.
“I'm delighted with the performance and the attitude and I'm excited for training this week. We've got cage rage on Tuesday, a good session Thursday ready for Spelthorne away, so yeah, I'm a very happy manager.”