Late strike hands Larkhall superb away victory in FA Cup

Larkhall Athletic are through to the Emirates FA Cup preliminary round thanks to an excellent victory over Beaconsfield Town on Saturday 2nd August.

Larkhall Athletic go into their Southern League opener here at Bishops Cleeve | Photo © Richard Briggs

The Larks were definitely the underdogs going into the extra preliminary round encounter with a side who finished in mid-table in Pitching In Southern League Division One Central last term.

But Athletic stunned the Buckinghamshire outfit by recording a 1-0 success at Holloways Park to set up a trip to Wokingham Town in the next stage. The Berkshire side booked their place by overcoming Brislington, from Bristol, 3-2 on Friday 1st August.

A late goal from Ryan Beckinsale, after great work by substitute Will Osborne, secured the win over a physical and direct Beaconsfield outfit and ensured the Larks’ competitive campaign got off to a positive start.

In a game where scoring chances were at a premium, Larkhall had an early opening when Beckinsale was supplied by Dylan Tate, but his shot rebounded off the bar.

For most of the first half, Athletic’s central-defenders Sam Boulton and Will Banks repelled a series of corners and kept at bay the Rams’ centre-forward Manu Oke-William, who spurned a handful of chances.

However, the guests went on to play the better football. And Alex Camm almost gave them the lead on the hour, but his effort hit the bar.

Max Williams started moving forward and created chances as the Larks looked more threatening.

Midfielder Osborne replaced Tate – and his fresh legs made all the difference.

In the 86th minute, he displayed superb strength to hold off the Beaconsfield midfield.

Osborne kept the ball until he saw Beckinsale in a promising position, and unleashed a perfect pass to the number 10.

Beckinsale made no mistake with a fine finish past keeper Tommy Dymott.

Williams came close to doubling the lead but was taken out by home substitute Ben Tricker, who was sent off.

The Larks picked out Boulton as their star performer.

Larkhall: Armstrong, Goodall, Dymond-Hall, Boulton, Banks, Sage, Williams, A Camm, Tate, Beckinsale, Wyatt: Subs: Tisdale (not used), Osborne (used), Bradley (not used), Flippance (used), Murgatroyd (used).

The Wokingham versus Larkhall game was set to be played on Saturday 16th August but has been put back to Sunday 17th August (3pm).

Athletic are running a supporters’ coach to the tie against the Satsumas, who play in Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division North. It will leave Alice Park in Bath at 11am and Tormarton at 11.15am. Seats are £15 each. To book a seat, email [email protected].

Larkhall commence their Southern League Division One South programme with a trip to Bishops Cleeve on Saturday 9th August.

The game at the Everyone’s Energy Kayte Lane Stadium will kick-off at 3pm.

The Mitres reached the play-offs last season.

Larkhall fans should note that the A435 between Cheltenham and Bishops Cleeve is closed both ways, due to a long-term project to build a cycleway and repair a bridge. Diversions are in place.

Meanwhile, Larkhall Development are top of the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division after a blistering start to their season.

The Larks opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Wroughton at Plain Ham on Saturday 2nd August.

The hosts trailed 1-0 at the break to a free-kick from Aaron Maximen but got back on terms courtesy of an own goal.

Maximen was then dismissed and Athletic responded by going in front through James Horrocks.

Ben Riccio sealed the win by netting a cracker from the edge of the box.

Larkhall Development followed up by racing to a 5-1 success at Calne Town Reserves on Tuesday 5th August.

On target for the winners at The Chilvester Financial Stadium were James O’Kell (2), Ben Wickens, Horrocks and Angus Williamson.

However, the game was not as easy as the scoreline suggests. Calne – who scored through Kierron Kiff – made their visitors work hard, and the hosts’ custodian and number five were outstanding.

The young Larks continue their league season with a visit to Devizes Town Reserves on Tuesday 12th August (7.45pm).