The match began at a very pedestrian pace, with most of the action reserved to the middle third of the field. Wisbech pressed and harried Rovers in possession and tried to force the issue from the start. The visitors nearly took the lead with twenty minutes on the clock. Billy Smith appeared to be out of options on the angle of the box but the tricky winger managed to get away a curling shot which struck the far post and, thankfully, dropped into Martin Conway’s grasp. Josh Ford could’ve opened the scoring for the visitors shortly before the break, seeing his shot blocked by the feet of Conway. In first half stoppage time, Kempston hit the post as well; a corner wasn’t cleared and Seb Simpson lofted a delicate chip that came back off the far post. The sides went in to the break scoreless.

The second half started with a caution for Kempston, Grant Fryer having his name taken for a clumsy challenge. Rovers clearest chance of the game so far came in the fifty fifth minute as an Ash Fuller cross found Jake Newman in the area only for the in-form forward to miss his kick completely. Kempston began to press, chances came and went for Newman and Sam Johnson as well as a speculative over head effort from Robbie Goodman. Shortly after the hour mark, Nathan Tshikuna was introduced for Rovers in an attempt to gain more creativity, within five minutes the winger had already hit the side netting. The game changed completely in a three minute spell after the seventieth minute. Sam Johnson was withdrawn for Michael Lyon. Shortly after the change, Rovers earned a corner; which was swung in by Fuller. Alex Stoyles met it at the far post and nodded back across goal where Lyon rose high above his marker to nod the ball into the net and give Rovers the lead. Only the versatile midfielder’s third ever goal for Kempston. With fifteen minutes remaining, Josh Sturniolo was introduced from the bench for his Rovers debut. Rovers created further chances, with Newman and Callum Lewis going close. With ten minutes left, George Boland was brought down by Ford, leaving stud marks down the midfielder’s thigh, the referee decided not to issue a yellow card. Rovers sought their own justice as the ball was played long from the free kick, flicked on by Newman to Tshikuna who played the ball into Fuller. Fuller, in turn, slipped the ball through back to Newman who had gone clear on goal and deceive the keeper to find the net at the near post for two nil. In the eighty fifth minute, Wisbech got the goal that their play deserved as a lofted ball was flicked on to the impressive Billy Smith, who found the net. There were late shouts for a Wisbech penalty for handball, but these came from the fans behind the goal rather than anyone on the field and Rovers held out for the victory and the place in the next round.

The next round will take place on the 16th September, meaning our home clash with Hayes & Yeading will be rearranged in due course.

The man of the match, as selected by our sponsors – Pursell Electrical, 07788270412 – was Nathan Tshikuna

A very special mention must be made to the supporters of Wisbech Town, who were in fine voice during and after the match. We hope they enjoyed their day, despite exiting the competition, and wish them all the best for the rest of their season.