Chasetown FC will get another chance to spring an upset in the FA Trophy after their tie at Redditch United was abandoned because of a heavy second half downpour.
By the time the proceedings were halted the home side were leading 2-1. but with the ball not reaching intended targets particularly in the half of the field that the Scholars were attacking there was no alternative for the referee but to bring a premature end to proceedings.
If Redditch were gutted by the abandonment, spare a thought also for Scholars midfielder Grant Beckett. He gave Chasetown the lead after just 15 seconds – faster than Harry Harris scoring against Rushall in 2009 – but his ‘goal’ will be voided out and never classed as a record-breaking strike.
After their early opener, Scholars keeper Ryan Price needed to be in top form in the first half, making three saves worthy of winning any game of football, pushing one wide at full stretch and two efforts finger-tipped over the bar as Redditch asserted their authority.
Eventually – and deservedly – the home side levelled in the closing minutes of the first half as the lively Omari Sterling James exquisitely lobbed Price when put through from midfield.
Thirteen minutes after the break it was the tricky Redditch Number 7 again who found the net as he drilled home to put his side ahead.
Seven minutes later the heavens opened and the brave Scholars fans behind the goal stuck it out for a few minutes before the downpour became too much for even the hardiest supporter.
Within ten minutes of the weather turning, the first standing water was beginning to sit on the surface. That prompted the first discussion between the match officials and, despite the duration of the game and its proximity to the end, the decision was made to abandon the fixture.
Both teams will hope the weather improves when they meet again on Wednesday (October 23).
Redditch United: Hornby, Recci, Fanagan, Oshungbure, Jackson, Price (Headley, 61 mins), Sterling James (Bridgwater, 76 mins), Sammons, Clarke, Ahenkorah, Molyneux. Subs not used: Hylton, Ballinger, Catlow.
Chasetown: Price, Farmer, Keenan, Slater, Tesfa Robinson, Jephcott (Theo Robinson, 66 mins), Brown (Stephens, 77 mins), Butler, Wellecomme (Sullivan, 77 mins), Griffiths, Beckett. Subs not used: Forde, Watson.
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