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After a two year enforced absence from the FA Cup, Edgware made a
comfortable return to the competition in this preliminary round tie,
against United Counties League Raund’s Town in Northamptonshire this
afternoon.
Attacking down the slight slope of the pitch the Wares came close to
opening the scoring within the first 30 seconds, forward Greg Ngoyi saw
his first effort cleared off the line, seconds later the pacy striker
had another half chance before he latched onto a forward pass from Denis
Maharjan and beat the home keeper Mike Hern from close range just 5
minutes into the game.
Raunds tried to apply pressure to the visitors goal but the midfield duo
of Paul Marks and Johnny Moore effectively stifled any threat with Ben
Hayden and Junior Lewis controlling Edgware’s back line. The offside
trap employed by the home team was always suspect with the forward pace
of Stuart Blackburne and Greg Ngoyi to contend with.
Edgware went further in front on 39 minutes when Gavin Hart’s cross from
the left was met by the head of Ben Hayden, who bundled the ball past a
melee of players.
The game was effectively over as a contest, when Ngoyi added his second
of the match on 42 minutes, the lively striker ran straight at the heart
of the Raund’s defence and finished well, to give the visitors a three
goal cushion at the interval.
In the second period Edgware continued to put pressure on the home goal,
and barely broke into second gear all match, such was the ease of their
victory.
The lead was extended on 54 minutes, a long throw by Jason Ferneé, was
knocked on by Johnny Moore straight into the path of Stuart Blackburne
who put the ‘Wares’ four goals in front.
The fine playing surface allowed Edgware to play their slick passing
game, Densal Davidson along the right flank provided a constant threat
along with Hart down the left, linking up well with the forwards.
Raunds were gifted a consolation 6 minutes from time, when Rob
Blackburne failed to keep hold of the ball dropping it at the foot of
Raunds Danny Frid who gratefully obliged; however this was just a blip
on an otherwise rudimentary performance by Edgware.
Edgware completed their nap hand on 87 minutes when Adil Salih’s perfect
cross field pass found Hart who finished superbly for the goal of the
game.
The win takes Edgware into the 1st Qualifying round proper, where they
will host either Langford or Potters Bar Town in the 1st qualifying
round on 15th September.
EDGWARE:
R Blackburne, Davidson, Hart, Hayden(Ferneé), Lewis, Ingham, Marks,
Moore,
S Blackburne(Cain), Ngoyi, Maharjan(Salih)
OTHER SUBS:
Brady, Bonfield
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