Jon Froggatt was sent off in Handsworth’s 3-2 FA Vase win over Hallam
The sending off of star striker Jon Froggatt spurred Handsworth Parramore into life in the dramatic FA Vase second round victory over local rivals Hallam at Sandy Lane.
Handsworth are into the last 64 for the first time in their history, but only just following the 3-2 win.
Parramore appeared to be on the brink of being the victims of an upset at half-time as Froggatt had been red carded and Hallam were leading through Michael Blythen’s goal.
Being down to ten men was an unlikely key factor in the quick turnaround as Sam Denton equalised for Parramore straight after the interval.
New signing Mitch Ward then scored an unbelievable goal with his first touch in a Handsworth jersey before Kieran Wells added the third.
A late Blythen tap-in ensured a nervy finish for the home side and there was relief when the final whistle sounded.
Handsworth actually started in a positive manner as Froggatt hit the left-hand post from inside the six-yard-box.
As it turned out, that was it from Handsworth in a poor first half showing.
Hallam slowly began to exploit gaps with the first warning flare coming from new signing Ashley Longstaff, who should have scored as he only had debutant goalkeeper Aaron Jameson to beat.
Jameson, signed from Buxton a few days ago, had a key role to play later on, but he was unable to prevent Blythen from firing home after the striker broke free of the Ambers back-line.
That gave hope for those hoping for an upset and the chances of a Hallam increased when Parramore top-goalscorer Froggatt saw red for an off-the-ball incident on the stroke of half-time.
Handsworth appeal for a penalty in the early stages
Jon Froggatt plays a pass
Parramore midfielder Simon Harrison is tackled
Action from Handsworth 3-2 Hallam
Handsworth boss Peter Duffield and assistant Mick Gober inspired a second half fightback
Ryan Hindley believed Hallam were the better side
Losing Froggatt could have been deadly, but Parramore came out for the second half like a team possessed.
Denton, who developed a penchant for scoring powerful free kicks at Shaw Lane Aquaforce last season, buried the equaliser in the bottom corner.
Handsworth had Hallam under the cosh and camped in their half so the pressure continued to mount.
The second goal quickly arrived and it won’t be forgotten for a while – especially since it was captured on video. Denton had a free kick and rebound attempt blocked and the ball dropped for substitute Ward.
Ward only arrived from Swallownest in midweek and had only just made his entrance onto the pitch. Without a thought and his first touch, he put his weaker left foot through the ball and watched it fly into top corner – sparking scenes of pandemonium.
Young Billy Wright set up the third goal with a menacing run forward. Stephen Warne made the overlap and crossed for Wells to score from close range.
Hallam didn’t give up and Jameson had to be alert to keep Blythen’s header out before Wells hit the crossbar at the other end.
A superb piece of team-work opened the door for Blythen to score and set-up a potential grandstand finish.
Extra-time was almost booked when captain Simon Mirfin’s header sailed for the top corner until Jameson rescued Parramore with a brilliant save.
Handsworth go through, but Hallam can pat themselves on the back for pushing a Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side all the way.
Handsworth Parramore assistant manager Mick Godber: “We knew it was going to be a tough local derby.
“I thought in the first 15 minutes we were brilliant. Hallam then came into it. They missed a good chance and then scored a decent goal.
“I’m not doing an Arsene Wenger, but we didn’t see the red card. The second half was superb from our point of view.
“It was a good free kick from Sam and then a worldly from Mitch who had just come on.
“We got the goal from Kieran, but to be fair to Hallam they kept going and our goalkeeper made two worldly saves.
“The main thing is that we’re in the hat for Monday’s draw.”
Hallam manager: Ryan Hindley: “If you’re looking for a man of the match, you’ll find that their goalkeeper is match of the match.
“It was a free game for us and we more than matched them.
“The game-plan was to have a go. We weren’t expected to win as the bookies have put in their odds.
“I thought we deserved our lead at half-time and barring a 15 minute spell, I think we were the better side.
“With them having ten men we should see the game out. If we had seen out the 15 minutes we would have probably gone on to win it.”
Handsworth Parramore: Jameson, Wright, Cullingworth, Harrison, Adams (captain), Griffiths (Denton 31), Marrison, Warne, Froggatt, Wells, Buttle (Ward 58) (Lilley 86). Sbs unused: Tootle, Sneath.
Hallam: Dennison, Cardwell (Simpson 66), Pemberton, Mirfin (captain), Statham (Nolan 58), Whittaker, Reed, Mulhoolly, Blythen, Longstaff, Brammer (Bishop 66). Subs unused: Flynn, Kelly.
Referee: Steven Abbott
Ref Rating: 5/10
Attendance: 114
Man of the match: Simon Harrison (Handsworth Parramore)