Wimborne Town reached the FA Cup second round for the first time in the club’s history with a 2-0 win over League Two side Crawley Town at the Wyatt Homes Stadium on Sunday.
Before the game, manager Tim Sills had said his side would need a “miracle” to beat opponents 57 places above them in the pyramid. The Magpies went ahead early and held on, and they now go one round further than the club has ever been.
Wimborne had a penalty appeal turned down early on when Cameron Munn went down in the area. They took the lead in the ninth minute when Yang Seung-woo curled a shot from just inside the box into the top corner.
Crawley went close to an equaliser when Kai Jennings sent a low shot narrowly wide. Jonny Russell then headed straight at Wimborne goalkeeper Cam Plain. At the other end, former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone saved well to deny Joe Smith after he had raced clean through.
Crawley interim manager Kevin Blackwell made three changes at half-time, and Charlie Barker fired just wide. Wimborne made the game safe 11 minutes from time when Jackson King’s shot struck Munn and went past Mannone.
Chilean midfielder Ángel Díaz was again a key figure for Wimborne. He played the full 90 minutes and was involved in the opening goal.
The 19-year-old came through the academy at Colo-Colo and was called up to Chile training camps at under-15, under-16 and under-18 level. He also trained with the senior national squad as a sparring partner. Several Brazilian clubs, including Flamengo, showed interest in him. He left Colo-Colo after being told he would not be offered a professional contract due to financial issues.
Díaz then moved to England for a conditioning programme in Southampton before joining Wimborne to get match minutes. An injury soon after his arrival kept him out for several weeks, but he has made a significant impact since:
He is one of two Chileans in the Wimborne squad. Forward Max Bustamante, who also scored in the win over Havant, featured against Crawley as well.
Crawley are bottom of League Two, and this is the second season in a row they have gone out of the competition to non-league opposition after Boreham Wood knocked them out last season.
For Wimborne, the win continues a cup run that has already taken them past two National League South clubs. Sills, a former Stevenage, Aldershot and Torquay United striker, said before the tie that the run had restored his enjoyment of football. He also called it a reward for the volunteers and supporters who have backed the club for years.
The Magpies return to league action on Tuesday against Poole Town and will await the second round draw.
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