Wythenshawe Town stole the headlines in round four of the FA Vase, as Coventry Sphinx put on a star-studded show.
By Amos Murphy
Credit: Wythenshawe Town / Coventry Sphinx
Wythenshawe Town left it late to secure their first-ever progression to the FA Vase fifth round, with a dramatic victory over favourites Consett.
Having fallen behind in the first half, Casian Anghel’s strike midway through the second period levelled it for the Greater Manchester side.
Destined for a shootout, up stepped Darius Palma, who netted the winner in added time, cueing scenes of delirium in the Town dressing room.
Netting six goals without return, an in-form Coventry Sphinx side blew away London Lions, whilst securing the biggest win of the round.
Goals from Lewis Noon, Callum Woodward and a London Lions own goal helped the Midlands club on their way, but a hat-trick from Callum Stewart stole the show.
Scoring all three of his goals inside the first half, man of the match Woodward will be keen to help the Sphinx progress even further in the competition.
A number of Step 5 and 6 clubs booked their place in the next round with penalty shootout victories.
Southall edged past Clevedon Town, Tunbridge Wells were triumphant over Bridgwater United, whilst Harborough Town were beaten on penalties by North Shields.
The biggest penalty shoutout victories of the weekend came for Loughborough Students and Abbey Hey, who both squeezed past Saffron Walden Town and AFC Liverpool 6-5.
Former winners of the FA Vase Rugby Town were comfortable 5-1 winners over Lakenheath, with the Valley searching for another triumph in the competition.
Lifting the trophy in 1982/83, Rugby were two goals to the good at the break, with goals coming from Danico Johnson and Justin Marsden.
Backing up their performance in the second half, Johnson added a third, with Loyiso Recci netting the fourth, with Caine Elliot slotting home a fifth late on.
A stellar 5-0 victory for Athletic Newham saw them dance into the fifth round draw, toppling Littlehampton Town.
Stansfeld were slender 2-1 winners over Raynes Park Vale, Whitchurch Alport knocked out Congleton Town with a 2-1 victory, whilst Newport Pagnell Town had no issues despatching Fakenham Town.
Brockenhurst beat New Milton Town 2-0, with Hamworthy United edging a 3-2 classic over Glebe, and Buckland Athletic toppling Egham Town 2-1.
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