Yaxley continue a long-busting FA Trophy journey

Yaxley are on a long and winding road in the FA Trophy.

The Cuckoos face a fifth match in the competition just to reach the third qualifying round.

Yaxley followed a first qualifying round replay win over Wisbech at In2itive Park last weekend with a second qualifying round home draw with Ramsbottom on Tuesday.

The teams will try again next Tuesday for the right to travel to Pickering Town in the next round on November 24.

Goals from Joe Butterworth and Dan Cotton secured a 2-0 win over Wisbech, while Matt Sparrow and Tom Waumsley were on target against Ramsbottom.

Stamford AFC earned a third qualifying round tie at home to higher-level Barwell after securing a famous 1-0 win over Kettering at the Zeeco Stadium last weekend.

Jon Challinor scored the only goal of the game before Daniels’ ‘keeper Dan Haystead saved a late penalty. Kettering are flying high at the top of the division above Stamford.

There are a couple of big games at United Counties Premier Division level on Saturday as Peterborough Northern Star host leaders Daventry (3pm) and third-placed Pinchbeck United entertain secondplaced Rugby Town.

Star’s fine season continued with a 3-0 win at Wellingborough Whitworth last weekend. Two goals from James Hill-Seekings and another from Jake Sansby moved Star up to sixth.

Deeping, who travel to Kirby Muxloe on Saturday, are well positioned in fifth with games in hand on those above them after a 4-1 win over Rothwell Corinthians last weekend.

PICTURE: KEITH CLAYTON Joe Butterworth celebrates his goal for Yaxley against Wisbech,