Written by: Ollie Heathcote
Hemel Hempstead Town 0 - 1 Bishop’s Stortford (Virciglio 89)
Entertainment: 2/5
Star Man: Amu (Bishop’s Stortford)
The Tudors exited the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round at the hands of Bishop’s Stortford
at the Focus Community Arena.
With clear-cut chances at a premium, and Hemel struggling to break through the organised
backline of Bishop’s Stortford, an 89th minute winner from Virciglio proved to be the
difference between the two teams.
Credit: Club Photographer, Jemma Sear (@_photosbyjem)
The first half of the game saw the visitors looking more threatening, showing good ability to
play through the lines and run at the Hemel backline. Despite little goalmouth action, Charlie
Castle flashed his effort past the post and a free header from Erin Amu came close, in what
was the best chance of the first half. The Tudors continued to look to break down the
backline of the visitors, however, lacked pace and conviction in their attack.
After the half time break, Hemel started the second half more positively, with a Williams
cross placed too far in front of the sliding Wiltshire, who looked to open his account with his
new side. This was followed by another good cross finding George Williams at the back post.
His finish from a tight angle was hit over the bar. Despite this strong start, the tempo
gradually began to drop throughout the half, as the visitors were able to pick their moments
on counter attacks, forcing Seaden into a couple of smart saves. In the 89th minute, the
deadlock was broken as a Bishop’s Stortford attack found the feet of Virciglio, whose
deflected effort found the bottom corner.
Credit: Club Photographer, Jemma Sear (@_photosbyjem)
Despite a last push to salvage a draw, the Tudors were unable to score, sending Bishop’s Stortford through to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.
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