Stotfold unlucky to exit North Beds Charity Cup

The game started at an electric pace. The first real chance came after 12 minutes when Drew Cardines ran the channel and crossed to Ben L’Honore who pulled his shot wide of the left hand post.

Kempston then went up the other end of the pitch and had the ball in the net, only to see it ruled out for offside.

There were chances at both ends with Stotfold trying to play their way through while Kempston were trying to batter the defence into submission in the air.

The second period began brightly with L’Honore going close almost from the kick off with a 20 yarder that screamed over the bar.

Both teams were cancelling each other out until the hour mark when a deep cross beat every defender and was smashed in at the far post by Dom Marsala with Adam Harpur helpless,

From the restart Stotfold went straight up the other end and scored. L’Honore found himself on the right hand byline at least 20 yards out and, despite being off balance, managed to swing a shot on goal which beat the keeper at the near post.

Then ensued a period where the Kempston keeper was inspired as he pulled on numerous saves to keep Mark Ellis, Drew Cardines and L’Honore all at bay.

But with 12 minutes remaining, and against the run of play, Kempston threw another deep ball into the box and Charlie Flanagan slotted home the winner.

It is testament to the Stotfold display that the Kempston keeper Marlin Conway was man of the match.

Stotfold return to league action at Hertford on Saturday before hosting Eynesbury Rovers in a Hinchingbrooke Cup tie on Thursday.