MISFIRING Maldon and Tiptree were the victims of an Emirates FA Cup replay giant killing by Stanway Rovers on Tuesday night, writes JON LONGMAN.
The Jammers, who have a proud record of eliminating Football League sides in recent seasons, lost 2-1 to the Essex Senior League side at the Maldon Stadium after the rivals had drawn 0-0 in last Saturday’s extra preliminary round tie.
With the winners facing a tricky trip to Tilbury on Saturday week, Stanway had second-half substitute Milo Grimes to thank for heading off the line late in the game as the Jammers pressed for a second equaliser and extra-time.
Henry Barley had put Stanway ahead in the 17th minute and the visitors were good value for their half-time lead.
However, the Jammers launched a second-half bombardment and that secured a 53rd minute equaliser when Lewis Watson headed home a pinpoint cross from Anthony Arrowsmith.
Game on for the Jammers who forced six second-half corners and Stanway had to scramble the ball clear on numerous occasions in a humdinger of a cup tie.
When the Jammers did get a clear sight of goal, Arrowsmith and Ted Collis thumped the ball high over the bar and visiting keeper Callum Robinson also made a brave save at the feet of Watson.
Stanway sent on former Heybridge favourite Harrison Chatting for the final 28 minutes to limit the Jammers' domination of midfield.
However, the Jammers were the architects of their own demise when they gave away a 75th-minute penalty which George Okoye blasted past keeper Jamie Grossart.
Then a mix-up in the Jammers defence almost extended Stanway’s lead with Grossart beating a hasty defeat to clear a possible own goal off the line.
The Jammers frustration saw bookings for defenders Mohammed Amir and Wordsworth following first-half cautions for Teddy Collis and Scott Simmons.
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