Harpenden Town close to FA Cup giantkilling with Romford draw
Theo Costa of Harpenden Town battles with Abdulmojeed Shogbeni for Romford during the FA Cup extra-preliminary round match at Rothamsted Park. - Credit: KARYN HADDON
Harpenden Town almost added their names to the long list of FA Cup giantkillers after a thrilling draw at Rothamsted Park.
Trailing 1-0 to Isthmian League Division One North Romford with 19 minutes to go, the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side shocked their loftier visitors with a superbly-taken equalise, substitute Jake Anthony converting on a one-on-one.
And he was almost provider a winner in the closing stages as a free-kick from the right was just flicked on and away from his run to the back post.
Romford's goal came in the first-half with a well-struck free-kick from Steve Carvell.
The replay is tonight (Wednesday) at Romford's shared home at Barking.
The extra-preliminary round match at Rothamsted Park was preceded by a minute's silence for club president Wynn Owens.
He had been part of the club for many years and was a familiar sight around SSML grounds.
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London Colney were knocked out of the cup after a 1-0 defeat away to Southend Manor.
In what was a competitive fixture throughout, the hosts grabbed the winner 15 minutes from time through Josh Devlin.
They had also hit the woodwork but the Blueboys had chances of their own for Kambo Smith, Herbie Townsend and Finbar King.
But Colney ended the game with nine men, Aiden Tolley sent-off for a professional foul and Mickey Shuttlewood picking up two yellows, both late on.
Colney Heath's final pre-season friendly before their historic Southern League bow featured a familiar name to fans of football in the area.
George Sippetts came off the bench in the second half of the Magpies' game with Hanwell Town and scored twice, giving his side a 4-2 win.
He is the son of Gary, a prolific striker in his own right, who played for numerous clubs including London Colney and St Albans City.
Charlie Clayton and Jack Woods got the other goals with Colney's opening game at step four away to AFC Dunstable on Saturday.
St Albans City meanwhile finished their pre-season with a 1-1 draw at Cheshunt, Joy Mukena scoring for them.
They play Dartford at home on Saturday in game one of the National League South.