EKOW IS THE MASTER FOR KINGFISHERS
BRAINBOX matchwinner Ekow Elliott probably spent the journey home bending the ear of his Thatcham Town colleagues – but boss Danny Robinson did not mind one bit.
The winger, currently in the throes of completing a masters degree at Bournemouth University, fired the Kingfishers into the FA Vase semi-finals as the clock struck 90 to settle this nip-and-tuck tie at Melksham.
Elliott was afforded the space to step into Lewis Brownhill’s throw-in before fizzing low across goal to send a healthy away following into raptures.
Robinson conceded he would be hearing about it all the way back to Berkshire but could not bring himself to dampen the exPoole Town star’s spirits.
“Ekow is a very intellectual lad,” said Robinson.
“I have known him for years, he is very clever but very gobby too. I cannot shut him up, though, not after winning the game. He can talk as much as he likes this time.
“We had to defend like Trojans but when we hang in games, we do have that ability to create a moment of real quality.
“I am lost for words. We are two games away from Wembley and I have never said that in my managerial career before. “We will enjoy it and dream about it but now, it is back to training to get ready for Burnham in the league on Saturday.” Melksham had the better of the few chances prior to the goal, particularly in the first half when Gary Higdon had a double effort blocked by keeper Chris Rackley and then Harrison Bayley. Rackley saved from Mike Perrott after the break, while Thatcham’s Shane CooperClark’s free-kick was deflected onto the roof of the net. The away side built late momentum but had created few clear openings before Elliott struck. “I am gutted for the boys,” said Melksham boss Kieran Baggs. “You are going to get fine margins at this stage of the competition and good luck to Thatcham. “The missed chances came back to bite us a little bit. We couldn’t take a chance and a tiny lapse in concentration at the death cost us.”