Blackfield and Langley blown away in FA Cup home defeat

FA Cup third qualifying round: Blackfield & Langley 1-4 Dartford

BLACKFIELD & Langley’s FA Cup dreams came to an end after they were comfortably beaten by National League South side Dartford 4-1 at Gang Warily Recreation Ground.

Goals from Luke Allen and Adam Cunnington, combined with a Charlie Sheringham – the 31-year-old son of Teddy – brace secured Dartford’s place in the next round. Hisham Kasimu got on the scoresheet for Blackfield in the second half.

Dartford made the long trip down to Blackfield from Kent and were dominant in the first half. The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute as Cunnington’s shot was well saved by Lewis Noice. However, the ball fell to Sheringham, who tapped home from close range.

Blackfield came close to an equaliser as Sam Griffin’s powerful header called Dartford’s Mark Smith into action.

However, the visitors doubled their lead minutes before the break. Luke Wanadio played in Allen who found the back of the net to give the visitors a two-goal advantage.

In wet and blustery conditions, Blackfield went on the front foot with their FA Cup dreams on the line. Top-scorer Lerone Plummer had a powerful effort saved before he was deemed offside by the linesman.

But it was Dartford who all but sealed their place in the next round after they were awarded a penalty midway through the second period. Sheringham sent Noice the wrong way as he put Darts 3-0 up and put one foot in the next round.

Blackfield pulled a goal back a minute later as a poor clearance from Dartford led to Kasimu firing home from six yards out.

This proved only a consolation for the Watersiders, who had fought valiantly throughout the contest as Cunnington made sure of the Dartford victory five minutes from time, scoring from a Wanadio corner.

Blackfield will return to league action this week. They make two long trips to Swindon Supermarine (tomorrow) and Merthyr Town (Saturday) as the Watersiders look to bounce back after their FA Cup exit.