FA Vase – 2nd Qualifying Round.

Highworth Town 1, New Milton Utd 2.

WESSEX League outfit New Milton, from the New Forest, had begun their season well, losing just one league match so far this season, and they were just too strong for Highworth in this FA Vase tie.

Highworth started well, taking the game to the visitor’s but Milton’s central defence won all the high balls from the flanks and any attacks through the middle saw shots blocked due to the presence of so many bodies.

The only shots New Milton had early on were from long range and were well covered by keeper Ian Gill.

However, seven minutes from the break, Gill attempted a pass out of the box but hit the ball straight to New Milton’s Dominic Allen, who sidestepped the keeper and stroked the ball into the empty net.

Right on half-time, a free kick in the Highworth half hit the defensive wall and striker Rob Woolner re-acted quickest, looping the ball over Gill’s head, leaving Highworth with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Highworth varied their attack in the second period although it was New Milton who attacked early on to try to kill the tie off.

Thirty minutes into the second half, Highworth reduced the lead when a cross into a crowded penalty area rebounded to Tom Cole, who hit the ball into the net to reduce the deficit.

Highworth threw players forward but with five minutes to play home substitute Paul Donnelly was sent off for two yellow cards in the space of a few minutes.

In added time, New Milton nearly added a third when Callum Burt broke clear of the Highworth defence but Gill stood up to him and saved the final shot.