This fixture provided the 564 at Court Place Farm with an opportunity for an 'I was there' moment ..... although it will probably only be of intrest to the Boro faithful ..... a Darren Baker goal; last witnessed in the 1998/99 season. It was, however; an important score as 'The Sports' had to graft for this win and a place in the 1st Round for the 3rd time. Boro were conscious of the need to avoid the proverbial ‘banana skin’; whilst Oxford City were pushing for a place in the 1st Round for the first time in nearly a decade.

City came out of the bocks early with the elements doing their best to level the difference in league positions; and a fine cross from Mark Bell looked to find Jon Gardner’s head but was deflected out for a corner. Allan Tait was inches short of latching onto a delivery into the area but the ball ran through to the City keeper. 'The Sports' began to dominate with Andy Atkin missing a half-chance in front of the City goal, and Tait shooting straight at Ryan Harrison in the home goal after 10. Clear cut chances for either side were rare but George Redknap set Faulkner up for a shot, and Gardner scuffed a shot wide when well placed for the home side.



No doubt Garry Wilson & Nick Greenwood used the break to good effect as from the restart Boro; and Baker; grabbed the all important goal. On 47 minutes City gave away a free-kick just inside their own half. Simon Wormull curled a cross to the back-post for Ben Austin to head back across goal. Darren Baker's moment arrived and he chested the ball home for 1-0 Boro.

Atkin could have doubled the lead but shot wildly before City started to fight back, Faulkner going close on 2 occasions. Matt Crabb and Wormull failed to hit the target from excellent positions to increase Boro's lead before Hook was tested for the only time in the match when on 70 minutes Faulconbridge unleashed a wonderful strike that crashed against the bar and down onto the line before being hooked clear. With the clock running down and the hosts commiting more and more men forward Matt Crabb broke dwn the City left and squared to an unmarked Lyle Taylor but the sub scuffed his shot straight at the keeper.



The 1st 45 minutes were not pretty for Boro with a lower league side fighting for every ball; conditions tricky; and passes going astray. For some memories of Haverhill may have been raised. However the hosts never tested Hook (bar the thunderous drive) and 'The Sports' created enough chance to have won at a canter. It was a game where the club could only win the game, not the day, and as supporters and team returned to Sussex thoughts turned to the draw and another F.A. Cup adventure.

Words - Lee Peskett
Photos - Mark Neal Photography & Lee Smith