Hallam come back from the dead in the FA Cup
Hallam FC draw 3-3 against Irlam FC in a thrilling encounter at Sandygate
The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round clash between Hallam FC and Irlam FC at Sandygate promised to be an exciting encounter, and it did not disappoint. After trailing 1-3 at the end of normal time, the hosts managed to find two goals during added time which helped them have one more shot at staying in the competition.
The visitors had an early chance, putting the Hallam defence on alert. However, it was The Countrymen who made the first notable attempt on goal when Iren Wilson unleashed a long-range shot which missed the target by a narrow margin. The first goal of the match came in the 16th minute as Irlam’s Nicholas Taylor found the back of the net with an assist from Jack Mitchell, executing a well-crafted move from the right wing.
Taylor bagged himself a brace in the 18th minute, this time from 20 yards out, curling the ball into the top corner. The visitors added another goal to their tally in the 37th minute, with Declan Daniels finishing a well-executed attack by slotting the ball calmly past Hugo Warhurst into the far corner.
As the first half was coming to a close, Hallam managed to find a much-needed lifeline in the 41st minute when Daniel Pudil scored to reduce the deficit. Pudil slid the ball into the bottom corner, keeping the hosts in the game.
Hallam’s efforts from set pieces went unrewarded in the opening minutes of the second half. An appeal for a penalty by the hosts was waved away by the referee an hour into the game. Although, in the 91st minute, another shout for a penalty led to a beautiful kick from the spot by Ollie Fearon who managed to comfortably put the ball in the back of the net.
After their second goal, Hallam pushed forward with everything they had, eager to find an equalizer. Their efforts paid off in the 95th minute when confusion in the Irlam box allowed Kieren Watson to score the crucial goal and level the score.
The replay is scheduled for Tuesday night at Silver St, where both teams will have another chance to advance in the competition.
Gopika (Hallam Media Team)
Pictures Keith Clayton
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