Blues held by Maldon in FA Cup (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Blues held by Maldon in FA Cup

3:24pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Local Sport

FA CUP 2nd QUALIFYING ROUND BRENTWOOD TOWN 1 MALDON & TIPTREE 1

FOR the second week running, Blues face a midweek cup replay after this hard-fought draw between two very evenly-matched sides at the Brentwood Arena on Saturday.

It was evident from the early exchanges that this was going to be a close affair as both sides probed for an opening in the first 20 minutes. Brentwood right back Ryan Doyle went down with a hamstring injury in the 19th minute and soon had to be substituted.

His replacement, youth team player Connor Witherspoon, made a slightly nervous start but soon settled down to play a significant role in a Blues back four that had not conceded a goal in its previous five matches.

As the first half progressed, both sides began creating chances. Maldon keeper Joe Wright tipped over a Steve Butterworth free kick in the 24th minute and then Martyn Stokes had a good chance for Brentwood with a header following a corner.

A fine tackle by Abs Seymour thwarted Maldon at the other but the visitors could have taken a lead from a headed chance that fell to Michael Toner.

In Blues next attack, a quick free kick from Danny Dafter put Butterworth away on the right and his shot across goal flew just wide off the far post. And it was from an almost identical position that Alex Read put Brentwood ahead in the 38th minute.

This time Butterworth was the provider, finding Alex Read who hit a fine shot into the far corner. Four minutes later Maldon equalised when Dave Wareham’s cross was flicked on by Jamie Guy and Michael Toner volleyed past Elliot Justham.

Two good first half goals and the second half promised more but although the quality of the football remained high, both defences were in top form. Brentwood brought on Sherwin Stanley in an attempt to boost their attacking options but they were hindered by a second yellow card for Butterworth before the end.

Neither side could make the breakthrough and they will meet again at Maldon on Tuesday.

Brentwood Town: Justham, Doyle (C. Witherspoon 21), Seymour, Stokes, Blewitt, Dafter, Thompson (Stanley 61), Blackburn, Read, Butterworth, Cohen (Rees 82). Unused subs: Cross, Rees, Lokando, Cousins, Bantick.

After their 4-0 FA Trophy replay win at Harlow Town last Tuesday, Brentwood travelled to Ryman South club Walton & Hersham for the next round of the competition on Saturday.