Melton Town 2 Pinchbeck United 2
Proud boss Lewis Thorogood praised the character shown by his depleted Pinchbeck United side as they drew 2-2 at Melton Town on Saturday to force an Emirates FA Cup replay.
Pinchbeck were without all four of their options for the centre back position in the extra preliminary round clash, but rallied and secured the club’s first-ever positive result in the competition.
Indeed, the Knights went 1-0 up at Melton Sports Village early on when Elliot Foster ran onto a Ben Robson through ball to slot home nicely.
Ethan Hulley levelled for the hosts on 21 minutes with a strong strike from just outside of the box following a spell of corners.
It remained 1-1 all the way up until the 73rd minute when Patrick Prosper Fini put the home side into the lead for the first time.
However, Pinchbeck hit back to equalise when Robson met a corner at the back post to set up a replay at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Wednesday night (7.45pm).
A delighted Thorogood said: “The odds were against us, going into the game with all four centre-halves out and our usual full-backs having to fill in.
“But I have to praise the lads, they were absolutely fantastic to a man.
“It was a bit of a frantic game, but we showed great character to come away with a draw on the day.
“It’s a result I’d certainly have taken in the league, but it’s nice to have got the first positive result in the FA Cup.
“I think, at 2-1 down with about 15 minutes to go, the Pinchbeck of last season would perhaps have gone on to lose 4-1.
“But the players showed that they have learned the lessons of last season and showed incredible character to get back into the game.
“It’s really encouraging to see that sort of thing. Melton are a good side, but we kept on believing and got the result.
“I’m proud of them all and it’s a great group of lads to be involved with.
“It’d be amazing for everyone associated with the club if we could finish the job in the replay.”
Knights: Smith, Stevens, Millar, Parsons, Simpson, Robson, Williams, Peasgood, Weir-Daley, Johnson, Foster. Subs used: Henderson, Melson, Vieira. Not used: Wilkinson.
Attendance: 182.
