It was another terrific start for Romford Flyers who went at Sparta from the the get go, moving the ball well throughout and finding both wingers in acres of space. Thats exactly how the first goal came when Luke Appleton took on the right back cut in and lofted a perfectly timed cross that was great fully greated by the head of Tony Hirst who placed it beyond the Sparta Basildon keeper. Flyers spread the ball well all over the pitch, it was also impressive was how well they won the ball back after losing it. After a flurry of chances it was Jay Collins who found himself in the right place at the right time once again this season and cooly finished to make it 2-0. Sparta tried to push Flyers as much as they could but could not break through the strong Romford midfield so resulted in playing the long ball which Flyers defence delt with tidily. Sparta would eventually get lucky after a deep cross was nodded in although the player appeared to be offside. Romford wernt going to roll over easily and within minutes a chaotic corner caused problems for Basildon again and Jay Collins put it away to take his tally to 6 so far and make it 3-1 going into the break.
The referee would continue his stunning performance early in the second half and did his best to level the playing field by sending off Nils Haywood. Flyers would have to dig in and would go on to do so immensely, the whole team began to grow and rise to the battle ahead working and playing for each other more than they have all season. Lee Hucker was called upon to make some terrific saves and keep the tie alive, the defense to had to make some blocks and last ditch tackles to deny Sparta a shot on goal however they would finally find the net after a low deflection was just out of Lee Huckers reach. Flyers carried on to fight for the ball and move it about swiftly and with tired legs still managed to create chances up top, many thought the tie was sealed when Luke Appleton burst through on goal only to see his effort saved, it would of topped of a tremendous performance for the young lad. With minutes left to go in full time Spartas pushed for the equaliser and some how found it after yet another long ball to the Basildon forward who escaped the tired legs of Romford Flyers. So extra time was to be played and for most of the half hour Sparta tried in vein to press, push, kick and foul the Flyers players but Romford where stronger, better and constantly digging deeper and harder to force the win. Then after previously sizing up goal from a superb free kick that was just tipped over, Micheal Chapman let loose a thunderbolt of a shot from distance shattering the Basildon net and any hope they had left. Romford played out the remaining minutes stylishly keeping the ball and running the clock down and after a long well battled 120mins where extatic to finally hear final whistle and book their place in the next round of the cup.
Written by nils who had watched half the game hahahahaha
