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LONG EATON :- Smith, Chambers (Wlkinson 62), McGinty, Watts, Stryzewski, Parker, Holmes, McCall, Downie, Alex Steadman, Fowkes, Subs. Hallam, Allsop, Weston, Whelehan
The Blues visited UNITED COUNTIES PREMIER league leaders Boston Town who included former Forest player Gary Bull, whose personal goals tally last season was 57 goals and former Chelsea reserve goalkeeper Bart Griemink in their line up.
The Blues made one change, Danny Chambers coming in for the cup tied Adam Newton. The home side forced the early pace with Paul Goodhand shooting over when the ball came out to him . The Blues replied with Alex Steadman testing the home keeper after a good cross by Graham Fowkes.
It was an exciting cup tie with Scott Downie heading over after Fowkes and Paul McGinty had linked well down the left. It was end to end stuff with Goodhand testing keeper Steve Smith and at the other end Josh Watts blazing over from a Matt McCall corner kick. Pritchard and Goodhand were linking well but little had been seen of Bull who was being well marshalled by Marc Stryzewki On the stroke of half time the Blues almost went ahead when Steadman rounded his marker, but his low shot for the bottom corner of the net was brilliantly turned round for a corner .
HALF TIME 0 - 0
The second half started with the Blues well on top, Graham Fowkers being denied by another good save by the home keeper and Alex Steadman’s goalbound shot being blocked but it was the home side who broke the deadlock when a fierce cross shot from the left by the dangerous Pritchard could only be palmed onto the face of the bar by keeper Smith and Garry Bull was on hand to nod the ball into the empty net from 6 yards .
The Blues were not out of it ,Steadman just failing to connect with a Adam Holmes cross and Scott Downe shooting narrowly wide . With the Blues pressing for the equalizer ,the ball broke to Danny Steadman who was brought down on the edge of the area by Josh Watts, who was booked for his action, and from the resulting free kick Paul Goodhand floated a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net past the stranded Steve Smith.
The second half had been spoiled by some poor refereeing decisions, seven players being booked ,five of these from the Blues in what was a highly contested game but not dirty. The Blues threw everything at their opponents in the last 15min but the home goal lead a charmed life with the Blues having to come home empty handed. An excellant cup tie with the Blues having given their best performance of the season .
FULL TIME BOSTON TOWN 2 LONG EATON 0
Below are some pictures from the game, not many due to the poor light.
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