Three Combined Counties League Clubs were in action this weekend in the FA Cup, Abbey Rangers, Badshot Lea and Balham. In the 2nd qualifying round it is Abbey Rangers who fight to live another day with a replay on Tuesday evening at home to Walthamstow FC of the Essex Senior League. Abbey took the lead through Cousins in the first half with Walthamstow coming on strong after the break. When Bentley was sent off for Abbey things looked ominous and Billy Jones scored a cracker to level things up but a tremendous defensive effort was enough to earn the replay. Walthamstow boss, Ryan Maxwell felt his team started poorly but probably should have won the game and looks forward to the second game. Hopefully there will be a large crowd and the CCL will see a team in the next round.
Badshot Lea and Balham bowed out with Badshot Lea going down 4-0 at home to Hayes & Yeading Utd who are two leagues above. The CCL side started strongly with Jordan Carter heavily involved early on. Badshot did create many chances over the 90 minutes but the difference in finishing was all important and the pick of the goals was a lovely swivel and volley from Toby Little. Man of the Match for Badshot Lea goes to Lunn who made some amazing saves.
Balham were involved in an eight goal thriller at home to Royston Town FC. In front of 233 fans Balham twice went ahead and then found themselves 3-2 down. Piers Oldland made it 3-3 on 75 minutes but goals by Royston on 79 and 88 saw them through to the draw on Monday.
In CCL league action leaders Ascot United made it 6 wins in a row, all away from home. They recorded a 4-0 victory at Banstead Athletic with two apiece from Laflin and Bennett. Colliers Wood are third after a fine win at Southall. Molesey swept aside inconsistent Spelthorne Sports 6-0 and promoted side, Sheerwater are up to 6th on 11 points after defeating Redhill 1-0. Knaphill had a good day with a 4-2 home win against Raynes Park Vale. Five goals were shared in the first half and the game was finally made safe in the 93rd minute courtesy of a strike from Camara. At the bottom are Banstead and perhaps surprisingly, Guildford City who have 3 points out of a possible 18.
In Division 1 it was top v bottom as Jersey Bulls recorded win 8 with a 5-1 victory over Eversley & California. Epsom & Ewell are again a bit up and down this season with 3 wins and 3 losses (plus 1 draw), losing 4-1 at home to AFC Hayes. The biggest margin of victory came at Cove with the home side conceding 6 and scoring none. Sadly, Godalming Town seem to be struggling at Division One level with five defeats already but they recorded their first win at home to FC Deportivo Galicia, 3-0.
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