FA Vase heartbreak for Clipstone against Melton Town

The Step 5 side prevailed with a first-half goal from Yaegan Gore and Rhys Brailsford’s dramatic winner being enough to negate Mikey Williams’ second-half spot-kick.

The hosts, looking to equal their best-ever FA Vase run, started much the better of the two sides and were keen to make their early dominance pay but Clipstone defended resolutely for 42 minutes. Until finally the rearguard was finally breached.

Melton had continually threatened down the wings, and Syme Mulvanys pinpoint cross finally found its intended target, as Yaegan Gore nodded his side into a deserved half-time lead.

Clipstone assistant coach Keiran Coupe labelled his side “a credit to the football club” for how they came out and battled in the second half.

After sustained pressure, the visitors finally got their break on the hour mark.

Tim Gregory was adjudged to have been fouled in the area and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.

Mikey Williams stepped up and made no mistake from twelve yards out, as he sent the Melton goalkeeper the wrong way, restoring parity in the tie.

Both sides had opportunities to grab a winner as the minutes ticked down, but it was Melton Town who dealt the final blow.

In typical cup fashion, the dramatics were saved until the dying moments.

Clipstone failed to clear their lines from a set piece and Rhys Brailsford was on hand to poke his team into the next round.

Coupe expressed his frustration at conceding from a dead-ball situation: “Once again, another set-play and we keep on emphasising to the lads how important they are [in attacking phases] but we have to remember our set-plays in the other box too, and ultimately that is what has cost us today.”

Still wanting to appreciate his side's overall effort, he goes on to say: “We were solid today, very solid. I know everyone wants to go through in the [FA] Vase but at least now we can completely focus on the league.”

The Cobras are on the road again next Saturday with an away trip to Stapleford Town FC in the league.