FA Cup - Preliminary Round - 28/08/10

Radcliffe Olympic 1 v 0 Wisbech Town

Radcliffe Olympic played their first ever F.A. Cup tie at the Recreation Ground in their 134 year history against Wisbech Town and achieved a memorable 1-0 victory thanks to Ben Richardson's first half goal.

Just as in the previous round, Radcliffe were up against a Lincolnshire team playing in a higher league within the football pyramid system. Although they had home advantage this time, they knew it would be far tougher against a team that has a proven pedigree in the FA Cup, reaching the proper rounds of the competition on numerous occasions, taking the scalps of league clubs on the way.

With the exception of the unavailable Grant Walton, Radcliffe started with the same side that beat Holbeach United in the previous round, as Phil Massingham came in to partner Carl Westcarr up front. The Recreation Ground was looking at its best, with the new fence in position and pitch having benefited from the recent rain; the scene was set as a good sized crowd eagerly awaited their first taste of FA Cup football on home soil.

Wisbech threatened in the opening stages as Anthony Reeve met a free kick to head over the bar before Radcliffe opened the scoring on 14 minutes. Drew Hatton and Massingham exchanged passes down the left before releasing the ball to Ben Richardson in space just outside the penalty area; the Wisbech defence were slow to close him down giving him time to take a touch then pick his spot as he fired the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Radcliffe had the greater possession, but with two well organised defences on top, there were very few chances created by either side in the opening half.

Half Time: 1-0

Immediately after break, Aaron Korol came in for the injured Tom Massingham. The Olympic defence came under greater pressure as Wisbech realised they could be facing an early cup exit. Despite having more possession Wisbech were still unable to create any clear cut chances as they resorted to playing high balls into the area, which were comfortably dealt with by Mountain and his colleagues. On 77 minutes Josh Royce came on for the injured Hatton and within seconds of arriving on the pitch was cynically hacked down, moments later Massingham received similar treatment as the Wisbech defence resorted to desperate measures. Radcliffe then produced their best spell of the game as Royce saw his sweetly struck shot clear the bar before Carl Westcarr and Massingham had their goal bound attempts blocked by last ditch clearances.

At the sound of the final whistle the ecstatic home crowd cheered their team off the pitch while the Wisbech players trudged off to the dressing room in shaking their heads in disbelief as their hopes of a cup run had been shattered by the new kids on the block.

Full Time: 1-0

Another superb all round team performance from the Radcliffe players; the result was fully deserved as they out fought and out played the opposition. Although Mountain had little to do, his handling was impeccable whilst the back four remained resolute throughout as they kept a tight grip on the visiting forwards. Skipper Craig Anderson led by example as inspired his midfield colleagues as they challenged for every ball. Up Front Westcarr returning from injury, Massingham & Royce ran their socks off for the cause.

Radcliffe’s reward for their win is away trip to face yet another team from Lincolnshire, Winterton Rangers who play in the Premier division of the Northern Counties East, again one league higher than them on September 11th.

Radcliffe return to league action on Bank Holiday Monday when they play Greenwood Meadows at home (K.O. 3.00). Next Saturday they face Grimsby Borough in the First Round Qualifying match of the FA Carlsberg Vase. Although Radcliffe were drawn away, as the new Grimsby ground has failed its council certification, the match is to be played at Radcliffe.

Report by John Watts

Radcliffe Olympic: J Mountain, A Miles, W Spencer, D Hawkes, J Spence, T Maddison (A Korol), B Richardson, C Anderson, G Walton, C Westcarr, D Hatton (J Royce).

Subs (not used): S Dalmedo, D Blanchard, A Waddley.

Wisbech Town: L Jordan, J Fairweather, S Johnson, P Cousins, A Reeve, W Morris, L Kennedy, S Carter, S Cobb, D Jimson, C Parker.

Subs: T Treacher, S Franz, A Murrell, A Furnell, P Sweeney, S Appleby.

Referee: C. Marsden. Assistants: M Connolly, I Danson.