Late comeback clinches place in the next round

Shirebrook fought back from a half-time deficit to progress in the FA Vase with a 3-1 win over Long Eaton United.

Shirebrook started well, but struggled to create chances until the 20th minute.

Carter Widdowson got to Adam Colton’s corner first and hit the bar with a header.

The home side began to carve out chances, the best of which fell to Jermaine Jatau who shot just wide.

As the half wore on Long Eaton started to control the tie and broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Shaun Rickford was left unmarked in the box.

Shirebrook also started the second half on the front foot, but again couldn’t get their chances on target.

Eighteen minutes from time, however, the home side levelled when Eden Homer broke down the right wing and his cross was deflected in by Brandon Clarke.

Shirebrook now had the momentum and took the lead in the 84th minute when a Sam Smith cross from the left was mishit and flew into the top corner.

Long Eaton pressed for an equaliser to try to get back into the game. They were reduced to 10 men in the 87th minute, though, when Ryan Head was given a second yellow card for a challenge on Joe Naylor

As the visitors poured forward Shirebrook grabbed a late third. Kieran Watson found Tate Clarke, who made the game safe.

Shirebrook: Dean, Homer, Smith, Colton (Clarke), Timmons, Widdowson, Jatau (Williams), Dockwray, Brewin (Simpson), Watson, Naylor Subs not used: Squires, Bailey.