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WHYTELEAFE 2 - 0 HORSHAM YMCA
Tuesday 16th September 2008
FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round

Whyteleafe progressed to the second qualifying round, their best since the great cup run of 1999 and will face a tough challenge visiting Blue Square South side Welling Utd in the next round.

They got off to the best possible start when one of their cup heroes from the Chester City match in 1999, Paul Scott, set them on the way with a goal in the second minute with an overhead kick from close range.

A minute later Scott's run down the left saw his cross deflected off the head of a defender and caught by keeper Tom Rand. Steve McNamara then hit a 12th minute free kick into the box, finding Sean Rivers in front of goal, but he was ruled offside.

Ronnie Green saw his shot caught by Rand following a good run on the quarter hour. Green then found Rivers with a 22nd minute cross which the defender did well to block his header away for a corner.

Michael Riley and Green were combining well on the right causing constant problems to the defence with their speed and trickery. In the 40th minute they combined and Green's cross saw Rivers find the back of the net from close range but he was again ruled offside. 'Leafe spent the rest of the half on the attack but couldn't increase their lead.

The second half started as the first finished. Green just pushing the ball a little too far as he broke clear in the 49th minute, allowed Rand to come out and claim the ball.

The visitors had their best chance two minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, but Tolfrey made a great save from Richard Carter's spot kick.

'Leafe then continued to dominate, with Rivers finding Denva McKenzie at the far post in the 55th minute. His shot was parried by Rand as far as Scott whose fierce left foot drive was cleared off the line.

McKenzie then headed over the bar from a Rob Smith free kick on the hour and then five minutes later headed againthis time from a Riley cross but Rand claimed the ball. Man of the match McKenzie then tried a 25 yard shot in the 72nd minute following a strong run, but this went straight to Rand.

Green made a great run into the box in the 76th minute, beating two defenders, and his shot to the near post was well saved by the feet of Rand. Two minutes later McKenzie's shot was handled in the box by Clay Lamont, but only received a caution himself for his trouble when he complained about the lack of a penalty decision.

Green then had two more shots saved by Rand before a fracas broke out between the two benches resulting in the visoting manager Gary Croydon, Whyteleafe manager and assistant Stuart Massey and Bernie Donnelly being sent from the dugout. Moments later 'Leafe coach Danny Rose was also ordered off.

Whyteleafe had the last laugh however when they finally got a well deserved second in stoppage time - McKenzie turned in Scott's cross following a fast break down the left wing.

Whyteleafe: Tolfrey, Hudson, McNamara, Reeve, Riley, Goodchild, Green, Smith, Rivers (Greene 70), McKenzie, Scott.

 

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