Giant-killers Christchurch make history with FA Cup penalties drama
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Christchurch FC 1Gloucester City 1Christchurch win 6-5 on penalties
CHRISTCHURCH FC pulled off a shock giant-killing against Gloucester City to reach the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round for the first time in their history.
The amateur football club, who play three divisions below National League North’s Gloucester City, took the lead with an hour gone when Max Wilcock headed in from close range. The visitors struck the woodwork three times before they found a breakthrough in the 93rd minute to send the match to penalties.
After both sides had buried all their spot-kicks, Lewis Gunstone-Gray palmed away George Carline’s effort to spark jubilant celebrations.
The Hurn Bridge side caused an upset in the previous round after coming back from a goal down to knock out Dorchester Town, who play two divisions higher in Southern League Premier South. They defeated Ascot United and Bashley FC in the preliminary rounds.
In what was billed as the biggest match in Christchurch’s history, the visitors made a bright start, registering several chances, while Christchurch were met with solid defending whenever they made a foray into the opponents’ final third.
The first real chance of the match fell to Gloucester when Carline’s goal-bound header was cleared off the line. Christchurch found themselves limited to speculative long-range efforts while the visitors put two big chances narrowly wide before hitting the post.
The second-half followed in the same vein with Gloucester going close several times. They struck the post twice more before Christchurch took a shock lead. The home side showed tremendous industry throughout, and this was on display when Nick Swann won the ball on the right before driving to the byline. He lofted a ball high to the back post to Wilcock who met the ball with a towering header, giving the Gloucester keeper no chance.
With the end of the match in sight, Khaellem Bailey took the ball with his back to goal before cheekily back heeling into the bottom corner to level the game in stoppage time and set up a dramatic penalty shootout.
Ollie Cherrett and Wayne Smith’s side held their nerve, scoring all six of their penalties before Gunstone-Gray saved to his right sending the home crowd wild.
After the match, Cherrett, told the A&T: “It was a very difficult game. All credit to Gloucester City as they are a very good side.
“Our players gave everything and deserved the luck we got. To concede so late was hard but the penalties were excellent – what a great way to win the game.
“The FA Cup is the best cup competition, and I feel so proud of our achievement. The players and the club have made history; we can’t wait to continue our story.”
Christchurch FC have been handed a home tie against National League South side Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round on Tuesday 13th October.
Due to the latest government announcements, Gloucester City supporters were unable to attend the match. There were 265 fans in attendance.
Christchurch: L. Gunstone-Gray, M. Ohameje, H. Wright, R. Frost, B. Walker, B. Cherrett, B. Satterley, N. Swann, W. Fletcher, M. Wilcock, B. Hill. Subs: J. Kirkham, A. Pope, J. Buck, L. Stone, L. Ansell, M. Finch, K. Graham.
