Town went into this game fresh from a two week enforced lay off. Manager Dave Walton gave a debut to new keeper Craig Collinson who came in for the suspended Ben Thompson. The only other absentee was star striker Craig Lamplugh, who was struggling with an ankle injury.
Town started slowly on a poor surface that deteriorated rapidly as the rain fell consistently throughout the game. After a couple of early scares Town began to settle down a little. Winger Eddie Birch saw plenty of the ball, linking well with right full back Winston Winn and supplying numerous crosses to strikers Steve Remi and Jimmy Symes.
Beverley were working the channels well, and on 15 minutes Symes went close from five yards after another great ball into the box caused havoc in the Kingburn defence. Town were now on top, and from a string of corners Sam Overton thought he had scored until his bullet header was cleared off the line.
Kingburn however went ahead against the run of play. From a free kick just outside the 18 yard box Kingburn midfielder Nick Bloor curled in a left footed shot that went past keeper Collision’s right hand and into the bottom corner. This was a shock to Town who were desperate to win the game and continue the defence of the cup they won last season.
Half time: Kingburn 1-0 Beverley Town
After some stern words at half time Town came out determined to get back into the game, and started with a higher tempo and greater sense of purpose. They continued to attack down the channels, creating numerous chances but were unable to convert.
The breakthrough came eventually after another string of corners. Jimmy Symes met an in swinging corner, and his header rattled off the bar and the ball rebounded kindly to Town defender Rich Jagger, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to put his team back in the game.
Town continued to attack but could not break down the Kingburn defence, and they were to regret this later in the game. With ten minutes left on the clock Kingburn took a shock lead after Town failed to deal with two innocuous balls into their half. Robert Upson ghosted in at the back to fire into the bottom corner and give Kingburn a sight of victory.
Town threw everything at Kingburn for the last ten minutes. Manager Walton brought on Mark Smith and Nathan Wright in an attempt to change the game, but when 90 minutes were up it looked like it was too little too late.
However deep into injury time Town were given a life line. A diagonal ball was launched into the six yard box and the tireless Jimmy Symes went to meet the header but was crudely shoved in the back by a Kingburn defender.
The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Michael O’Connell stepped up to the plate and fired his penalty straight down the middle, past the diving keeper.
Full time: Kingburn 2-2 Beverley
Extra Time:
Town now had their heads up again, and went in search of a winner. The first period of extra time was a cagey affair, with neither team creating many chances. The second period was quite the opposite, with Town moving up a gear in search of the winner.
After a fine move down the right wing, Jimmy Symes put in a great cross into the six yard box, which was met by the on rushing Michael O’Connell, who volleyed into the top corner to put Town ahead for the first time in the game.
Not satisfied with this another goal came soon after, when O’Connell linked well on the left flank with Mark Smith. Smith cut inside the box and calmly lifted the ball over the keeper to make it 2-4 and seal the victory.
Town move into the last 16 of the Grays Cup, and could face local rivals Hodgsons if they overcome North Cave this weekend.
Town are at home to Hessle Sports Club this Saturday, 2 pm KO at Norwood Park.
Grays Cup – Kingburn 2-4 Beverley Town AET
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