Replay success for Wellington in the FA Cup against Highgate (From Hereford Times)

Replay success for Wellington in the FA Cup against Highgate

4:30pm Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Football

WELLINGTON produced a backs-to-the-wall performance to earn a FA Cup extra preliminary round replay against higher-graded opposition.

The Herefordshire side surprised their Midland Alliance hosts by taking the lead and then held on for a draw despite having two players sent off.

Wellington took the lead through Pete Wood early in the second period and had a couple of further opportunities through Wood and Saul Thomas to extend their lead.

But Thomas was then given a straight red card for a rash challenge on a home defender and Highgate equalised shortly afterwards.

With Josh James also sent off after collecting a second yellow card, Wellington had to battle hard but held on for a draw.

“For the last 10 minutes we had to put the shutters up,” said Wellington chairman Phil Smith.

“But the boys dug really deep and it was a hard battle but we came out of it with a great result.”

WELLINGTON earned an FA Cup preliminary round home tie with Bewdley after beating higher-graded Highgate United on penalties in Tuesday night’s extra-preliminary round replay.

Goals from Saul Thomas and Josh James left the score at 2-2 at full-time.

Highgate took the lead in extra-time but Aaron Morgan equalised.

Craig Hill made a save in the shoot-out, allowing Tom Horsfield to score the decisive spot-kick.