Hullbridge Sports 1-0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds

FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round

From Lower Road

 

HULLBRIDGE Sports produced an outstanding rearguard action to beat hot favourites AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the FA Vase.

Sports enjoy playing in the competition, having reached the fourth round last year and they are one round away from matching their achievements of last year.

Mark Bliss’ side progressed after a goal from Rory Clark 20 minutes from time, with the solitary strike enough to knock the United Counties League Premier Division side out.

The away side started the better and Bobby Mason was called into action between the sticks for Sports, saving a routine free-kick.

Michael Edgar had the home sides first chance of the afternoon, shooting over when well placed, with Clark going close soon after.

Clark was inches away from giving Hullbridge the lead, when his shot came back off the post.

In difficult conditions for both teams, Sports were playing some nice football although Jason Turner dragged a shot wide for the visitors’ midway through the second half.

But then came the moment of magic. A terrific run from Clark saw him beat four men before driving low into the far corner.

Mason was called into two late saves before a superb late block on the line stopped Mason’s blushes, after the ball squirmed under his body.

Rushden had Brad Harris sent off in injury time but the damage was done.

Sports pocket £1,200 from the result.