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F.A. Cup 1st Qualifying Round. AFC crashed out of the cup on Saturday after a woeful display at Wessex league side Moneyfields of Portsmouth.
Wallingford never really got going and failed to play some of the attacking football which has pushed them to the upper reaches of the Hellenic premier this season. The game started with the home side dominant, giving AFC no time on the ball on a tight, short pitch. Aaron Baker created a half chance for himself but he was denied by a great tackle from Clark. Massaquoi, Tyler, and Baker then all picked up injuries in a bizarre 5 minute spell and although only Massaquoi went off this completely upset any rhythm that Wallingford had. On 18 minutes, Barry Hooper should have scored for the home side but his header from a free kick was over, however 2 minutes later Moneyfields took the lead when Glen Knight swung in the same style of free kick creating confusion in the Wallingford defence and Fletcher Hoey headed into his own net past a stranded Gary Clark. The 2nd came 5 minutes later, Graeme Gee chipped the ball forward, Ian Fenn headed backwards, Clark jumped with Prior but the ball looped over them and into the net for 2-0, despite a strong suspicion of handball from Prior. On 34 minutes, it was 3 when Hoey misplaced a pass Wyatt and Prior played slick one two through the Wallingford defence with Prior eventually slotting home, unchallenged from 8 yards. AFC improved slightly towards the end of the half, Andy Styles had a goal ruled out and Hoey headed just wide after a great cross from Abdouli Taha. Tim Parker then nearly sliced a ball into his own net but Clark was alert to make a great save and prevent the 4th. AFC improved slightly in the second half with Moneyfields also taking their foot off the gas. Lawrence Hall should have made it 4 from a tight angle before Knight had a goal ruled out for offside. Taha had shot well saved on 60 minutes whilst Graeme Gee had another ruled out for the home side and Sean Kerridge missed and open goal 15 minutes from time. Wallingford were the better side for the last 10 minutes, Brad Chalmers coming on for Hoey and causing some problems for the home side defence. Aaron Baker had a shot well saved before Wallingford scored a cracking consolation on 86 mins as Chalmers flicked the ball on, Moneyfields failed to clear and Andy Styles rammed home a half volley from 20 yards out. Chalmers then just failed to steer a Taha cross home in the final minute but this would have only put a little gloss on what was a below par display from Wallingford who will look to start another cup run as they take on Sandhurst Town in the FA Vase at Hithercroft this Saturday. AFC Wallingford: Clark, Parker, Massaquoi (Fellows 35), Ingram, Fenn, Tyler, Hoey (Chalmers 75), Touray (Taha, Z 50), Baker, Styles, Taha, A; Subs not used: Shea |
