Nuneaton Griff v Long Eaton United FA Vase.............3-3 AET

Todays Team: Steve Smith, Adam Holmes, Paul McGinty, Josh Watts, Matt Hallam, Danny Beldham, Marc Strzyzewski, Matt McCaul, Alex Steadman, Ben Roffey, Graham Fowkes Subs : David Wilkinson, Tom Widison, Ian Buick, Ashley Whelehan, Craig Weston.

Allsop has still not recovered from his groin injury and Danny Beldham replaced David Wilkinson for todays FA Vase cup tie against Nuneaton Griff.

The Blues squandered a half time lead of 3-0 and were forced into a replay after extra time at The Pingles Stadium with Nuneaton Griff showing a spirited second half comeback.

The Blues started well and were on top from the whistle with chances falling to Steadman, Roffey and Fowkes.The home side were having some decent possession and put some good balls in the box but were unable to capitalise. Alex Steadman broke the deadlock on 34 mins when he got in front of his marker and converted a near post cross by Paul McGinty.




Steve Smith did well with a double save from Tom Moore but it was Steadman who increased the lead with a fine individual goal on 38mins, rounding 4 Nuneaton players including their goalkeeper to cooly walk the ball home. Then just before half time Steadman got his hatrick after Marc Strzyzewski had a good effort saved from his free kick and Steadman was on hand to fire and angled shot off the rebound.

Half Time Score 0 - 3

The Blues had cruised the first half but were caught out at the back when Tom Moore reduced the arrears with a shot from the edge of the box.

The home side continued to press and substitute James Hardy converted a Tom Moore cross on 60mins. The home side certainly weren’t feeling sorry for themselves and were getting the better of the Blues all over the pitch.

The Blues were now pegged back in their own half and it was no surprise when Griff equalised. James Hardy took a free kick and it was headed in at the unmarked far post.

Substitute Ian Buick could have won the game for Long Eaton but his first touch narrowed his shooting opportunity and the chance was squandered. Alex Steadman knocked the ball over, then was clearly impeeded inside the box by Griffs goalkeeper but the official waved play on and he then made a fine save from Matt McCaul in extra time. The game now goes to a replay at Grange Park on Tuesday night when the cup tie will be settled.