Stotfold 2, Grays Athletic 2

THE road to Wembley has proved a road too far in recent years for Grays, and after a dismal first half, when they conceded a sloppy goal it looked like there would be a similar early exit in Saturday's Preliminary Round tie.

But an improved and energetic second 45 minutes saw them restore parity, going in front just before the final whistle, only for Stotfold to equalise in the dying seconds.

It was important Blues imposed themselves on their opponents and dictate play, but Stotfold had other ideas forcing a corner inside the opening minutes.

Having set the tempo the hosts took the game to Blues who looked ponderous under pressure. A succession of corners caused confusion and panic, Geoff Okonkwo came to the rescue when he hacked the ball off the line. A rare opportunity fell to Correy Davidson who cut inside but his effort failed to hit the target

Stotfold were not to be denied when they got their noses in front on the half hour mark, Kade Bagge found himself in space easily slotting the ball past Danny Sambridge.

A goal down and playing with little control and energy it was now a battle, Davidson again had a chance when his drive was unconvincingly saved by Liam Gooch.

Stotfold continued to probe and could have doubled their advantage just before the break, but a finger tip Sambridge tip over denied them.

Changes were made at half time, Blues now playing with three at the back and changes in personnel, Josh Osude and Callum Watts replacing Courtney Homas and Davidson.

The change brought increased momentum, Osude and Watts injecting tempo and at last asking questions of the home defenders.

A slick move saw Aron Gordon slip the ball to Sam Bantick who shot on the turn tested Gooch. Osude was causing havoc out wide, Watts was unlucky when his piledriver took a deflection onto the woodwork and behind.

Stotfold's first half exertions were beginning to take its toll, Blues enjoyed territory and possession and were rewarded when a ball across the box was bundled home by the unmarked George Winn on 75 minutes.

Stotfold rarely ventured forward pinned back by constant pressure which told in the 90th minute when yet again Osude wriggled clear cutting the ball back to Bantick whose strike took a deflection off a defender and crossed the line.

Having seemingly won the tie Blues need to manage the closing minutes which they failed to do. In Injury time Stotfold in a last gasp effort pushed forward, Blues gave the ball away, a short ball into the box caused confusion, Sambridge failed to deal with the danger and there was Josh Bamford unmarked in the six yard box who poked the ball home.

Seconds later the final whistle signalled the end of proceedings and a replay at Parkside on Wednesday evening.