Two goals in a golden six-minute spell during the first half at Uxbridge put Didcot Town into the FA Trophy third qualifying round for the third time in four seasons.

The Railwaymen were unconvincing, but hung on for a nervy 2-1 victory against their opponents from the Evo-Stik Southern League Central Division.

Uxbridge striker Matt Woods was twice denied by Didcot keeper James Foster in the first ten minutes.

The visitors opened the scoring after 19 minutes, when they were awarded a penalty after Pablo Haysham’s breakaway run into the area was unceremoniously halted by Adam Pepera’s clumsy challenge.

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Uxbridge keeper Rourke Pickford Pickford made a valiant effort to keep out John Mills’ spot-kick, but the ball squirmed into the net.

Pickford then prevented Jack Longford and Mills from doubling Didcot’s lead, but it only delayed the inevitable An inswinging corner by Sam Elkins landed on a platter for Luke Carnell, who was standing virtually on the line, to bury a header into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 The keepers continued to impress. Foster defied Woods for a third time while Pickford denied Elkins. Uxbridge pushed forward in the second half and Chris Moore’s bullet header stung Foster’s fingers.

Ironically, it was after the hosts had been reduced to ten men following a second booking for Dave Thomas, that their chances became clear cut.

Three minutes from time Moore slammed in Kevin Warner’s cross from close in. But Didcot hung on.

Didcot Tn: Foster, Elkins, Organ, Self, Carnell, Learoyd, Baines (Clark 72), Ballard, Mills (Brooks 85), Haysham, Longford (Heapy 63).

Attendance: 145.

 

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