Hero Hill sends Maltby through thanks to last minute winner

Jonathan Hill (centre) was the hero for Maltby Main against his former side

Jonathan Hill was the last minute hero as ten man Maltby Main staged an incredible comeback to beat Handsworth 2-1 and go through to the next round of the FA Cup.

The remarkable climax which saw Maltby score twice in the final six minutes provided huge entertainment for 293 people who travelled to Muglet Lane.

Plenty of chances adorned the first half, but it was the sending off of Maltby’s new midfielder Luke Fletcher, the former Handsworth star, which brought proceedings to life. Handsworth’s Bailey was fouled by Fletcher and the challenge was deemed a red card offence.

Handsworth took advantage of their numerous superiority on the hour. Alfie Smith’s free kick from the left-wing was met by the Ambers’ returning prodigal son Sam Smith and he fired them ahead.

With time running out, Niall Smith rescued Louis Axcell’s Maltby with a cross-cum-shot. 

The course was set for penalties until Hill, playing against his former club, repeated Smith’s trick and managed to lob Handsworth stopper Jordan Greaves to send Maltby into the preliminary round.

Overall it was a pretty disappointing night for Yorkshire sides as bar Maltby, Knaresborough Town and Silsden, everyone suffered disappointment.

Three goals in eleven minutes across the end of the first half and start of the second enabled Silsden to dispose of Eccleshill United quite easily in one of the three all NCEL ties. 

Antony Brown’s double against his former side sealed after Matthias Britton had broken the deadlock before half-time.

Eccleshill’s luck was compounded by Aran Basi’s second half red card.

Lawrance Hunter’s goal kept Thackley in control until late in the second half when Runcorn Town equalised. Runcorn then went and won it in the final minute with a spectacular 35 yard strike.

Penistone Church surrendered a first half lead, given to them by Cameron Simpson’s double, as they lost 3-2 at Skelmersdale United.

Pickering Town almost forced penalties after a disastrous start which saw them 3-0 down at Penrith after just 30 minutes. Adam Warrilow found a way back and Wayne Brooksby put the cat amongst the pigeons before the hour mark. Nathan Perks hit the crossbar and in the end the Pikes ran out of time after throwing the kitchen sink.

Hemsworth Miners Welfare lost 4-1 at Northern League giants who had very profile goal-scorers Amar Purewal and Graeme Armstrong in their line-up. Jay Davis got Hemsworth’s goal.

Brett Agnew’s Bridlington Town suffered a 2-0 defeat at Thornaby.

Ollie Fearn brought Liversedge back to life in the tie at Irlam, but Jonathan Rimmington’s men were beaten 2-1. Fearon also missed a late penalty which could have forced a shootout.

An incredible overhead – described as one of the best goals ever scored at Garforth Town – kick-started Whitley Bay’s 3-0 victory at Garforth.

Athersley Rec lost 4-1 to Charnock Richard – Jimmy Pursell was Rec’s goal-scorer.

Reagan Waud got Goole AFC’s goal in the narrow 2-1 defeat at Ashington.

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