FA cup hopes dashed (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

FA cup hopes dashed

HOPES of a dream tie against league opposition failed to materialise for Cirencester Town as they bowed out of the FA Cup.

Despite a bumper crowd of 715 - some seven times the usual home attendance - creating a vibrant atmosphere in the Corinium Stadium the Centurians were beaten 4-2 by opponents Crawley Town.

The home team had hoped to progress to the 1st Round of the FA Cup for the first time ever at the expense of their visitors, who before the clash topped the division above them, the Dr Martens Premier Division.

After being silenced by an early Crawley goal the home were buoyant just before the interval when Gareth Hopkins deservedly equalised.

A large contingent of travelling fans helped maintain a lively buzz around the ground as the teams exchanged attacks in the second half.

At 3-1 down, Marc Richards pegged the score back to 3-2 with ten minutes remaining, raising both the tension and volume levels within the ground.

As the home support cheered their team's gallant efforts to equalise a gloomy silence fell as Crawley broke away to settle the match with a fourth goal in the final seconds, ending the cup dream for another season.

For a full report and pictures see this Thursday's Standard.