Saturday 14^th August 2010

F A Cup Sponsored by E.On Extra Preliminary Round

Diss Town 1 Daventry United 2

Match Report - Tony Collins

Diss fell to an injury time goal after attacking well in the last twenty minutes against higher league opposition in this season’s F A Cup. Daventry United play in The Hereward Teamwear United Counties Premier Division and seemed to be in control of the game until The Tangerines equalised with a penalty kick.

Diss were without the unavailable Brendan Foley and lost his regular central defensive partner Simon Jackson to injury in the early stages. Jackson was diagnosed with ankle ligament damage in hospital. Chris Gibbons came on and slotted in well to have a fine game. Jon Abbott became unwell after taking a blow and he was replaced by Sam Bryant inside the first 30 minutes. First half play was disjointed and few chances were created at either end. Luke Catchpole and Andy Moody had shots blocked at Diss pressure to a George Watts-Sturrock long throw in just before half time.

In the 48^th minute Jon Crockett headed against a post to a cross from the right and Mark Shadrack cleared the ball for a corner. The resulting kick from the Daventry left wing was headed on for Crockett to shoot in to the roof of the net from three yards out. Darren Frost had a good chance to increase the lead and Daventry seemed to be coasting to victory.

However, the game took a turn in the 71^st minute when Sam Bryant crossed from the right and Crockett went into the back of Catchpole and a penalty was awarded. Stuart garner confidently tucked the resulting penalty kick low into the corner of the net.

Watts-Sturrock was on target from 35 yards and Jordan Rocastle forced Lee Farrow to dive low to his right to turn a shot round the post as Diss pressed strongly within the next four minutes. Garner made a superb goal line clearance but it was The Tangerines that looked the more likely winners.

The winning goal came in the first minute of added time when Joel Young brought down a cross from the right and shot into the far corner of the net.

Diss starting team: Matty Webster, George Watts-Sturrock, Stuart Garner, Simon Jackson, Mark Shadrack, Jon Abbott, Jordan Rocastle, Luke Catchpole, Andy Moody, Jason Hunt, Simon Mann

Diss subs: Jesse Payne-Wilkins, Liam Smith (for Mann 56 mins), Sam Bryant (for Abbott 30 mins), Rafel Szalek, Chris Gibbons (for Jackson 9 mins) and Mark Camidge.

Attendance: 111.

Match Sponsor: Len Nice, Diss Town F C President Elect.

Match Sponsor’s Diss Man of the Match: Chris Gibbons.