FA Cup

A GOAL in each half from striker Scott Griffin ensured there was to be no shock as Abingdon United booked their place in the first qualifying round.

But Richard Bourne’s menhad to do it the hard way at Alfredian Park, his former club made the perfect start.

Richie Claydon fired the home side in front in the opening exchanges when a high ball dropped into the area and Claydon smashed home on the half-volley.

Soon afterwards, the referee waved away good claims for a penalty when the ball struck the hand of an Abingdon defender.

Abingdon soon raised their game, and it took some crude challenge outside the box to halt their progress, Stuart Cattell and Gavin Jones both collecting yellow cards.

Wantage keeper Gareth Tucker made a fine save from Griffin, while Jones made a goal-line clearance as a dangerous low ball was played into the penalty area.

But six minutes before the break, Abingdon were level.

A ball into the area found Griffin, and he turned it in from close range.

If the first half had been even, the second belonged to Abingdon.

Early on, Tucker saved well, turning a Curtis Angell free-kick around a post, and from the resulting corner, Tom Butler headed off the line.

Former Yeovil forward Griffin was showing ability to ghost away from his marker, and he almost put Abingdon ahead when he beat the offside trap, only to see his first-time chip kept out by the fingertips of Tucker.

At the other end, a rare break gave Claydon a chance, but his shot was well held by Abingdon keeper James Foster.

Abingdon took the lead 17 minutes from time.

Liam Williams swung over a fine cross from the left and Griffin found space at the back post to head into the net.

Abingdon had the ball in the net again near the end, but Carl Evans’s effort was ruled out for offside.

But this was not costly as Abingdon booked a first qualifying round tie at Leighton Town.