Winchester City 1 - 1 Maidenhead Utd
Winchester City were a minute from F.A. Cup glory against National League Maidenhead United at the Denplan Stadium on Saturday 26th September 2015 but in the 89th minute keeper, Brendon Norris came but just failed to connect with a corner leaving the far post unguarded for Gavin James to turn the ball over the line for the equaliser, thus setting up a replay.
Despite the disappointment, City could hold their heads high after outplaying their opponents who play at two leagues above Winchester.
The Visitors looked to have taken an early lead when Jaimie Thoroughgood conceded a free kick but Ben White sent the ball over the bar.
As City settled to their passing game, Adam Roberts fired a shot which was kept out by the 'keeper's legs after a back flick by Zach Glasspool set him up. Again the 'keeper, Carl Pentney, came to Maidenhead's rescue when Adam Tomasso crossed. He just managed to get his hand to a shot from Warren Bentley and turn it onto the post.
The game turned in City's favour in the 22nd minute when Maidenhead's Dave Tarpey pushed Micky Hubbard off the ball and was shown a straight red card. After lengthy treatment Hubbard was able to take the field again.
It was ten-men Maidenhead who nearly took the lead but Norris made a good save from Josh Huggins.
As City pressed both Glasspool and Bentley had penalty appeals turned down but their perseverance paid off when Glasspool put them in the lead in the 31st minute. Glasspool picked up a cross from Dan Cann but his shot was blocked, He, however, regain the ball and gave the City the lead with a great shot from close range.
Just before half time Wright nearly equalised when he bent a shot round the 'keeper only to hit the post with the ball bouncing back into his hands.
Jamie Barron nearly increased City's lead on half time when Roberts sent Bentley away. He squared for Barron to hit his shot just wide.
Maidenhead started the second half strongly with Harry Pritchard's going close and Huggins having a goal-bound shot deflecting wide.
Having seen out a difficult 15 minutes, City set about closing the tie. Glasspool left the field after taking a knock to be replaced by Matt Benham.
Cann then took over the striking role and shot across the goal with the 'keeper beaten and then put a shot over the bar when well placed.
As City pressed, Pentney again, became the saviour of Maidenehead saving brilliant shots from Benham and Cann. Bentley looked to have sewn up the game when he weaved his way into the box but put his shot wide.
At the other end Norris dived to save from Pritchard at the foot of the post but a couple of minutes later came the equaliser.
Attendance 245.
City: Brandon Norris, Adam Tomasso, Jamie Barron, Leigh Mills, Jamie Barron, Jamie Thoroughgood, Rob Flooks, Adam Roberts, Micky Hubbard, Zach Glasspool, Warren Bentley, Dan Cann, George Short, Harrison fay, Geoff Dunn, George Baxter.
