Saffron Walden Town Weekly Roundup: Late drama in the Vase, Round of 64 here we come

 

Fahad Nazor's last-gasp winner put us in the hat for the next round

Through to the last 64 of the Vase for the first time in four years, thanks to a 97^th-minute winner.

Unbeaten in 90 minutes in two months.

A team showing a real togetherness.

 

It’s an exciting time to be a Bloods fan at the moment, and this was epitomised by Fahad Nazor’s late, late goal at home to March Town United in the Vase yesterday. The celebrations from fans in the ground, as well as players and staff, were a joy to be a part of and are a testament to the hard work that has been put in so far this season, and especially in the last two months – yes it’s really been that long since we lost in 90 minutes.

Manager John Hughes appeared on BBC Radio Essex on Friday evening to preview the game and he said at the time that he was relishing the challenge at hand.

“It’s a tough game against a really competitive team”, John said at the time. “I think they’re third in their league at the moment and on a really good run of form. We know it’s going to be a tough test but we’re ready for it.”

And ready for it we were, scoring a last-gasp goal for the second round in a row.

 

The day started with an impeccably observed period of remembrance for those who gave their today so that we could have our tomorrow, something that we have always took pride in as a club, and it was good to see members of SWTFC and SWCFC lay wreaths at the town’s Remembrance Parade.

The tie itself was an intriguing one, with Walden having the better of the opening exchanges – Jeff Cobblah seeing his corner almost cross the goal line before Kaleel Green had a 1 on 1 opportunity well saved – but March were showing their intent with some good forays forward. Their best opportunity came just before the interval when a close-range shot was saved by George Coton, before the follow up was superbly blocked on the line by Jack Clark.

 

The second period saw the match liven up somewhat, mainly due to the constant irritation of air horns blown by the visiting supporters, but it seemed to work somewhat as they took the lead with 57 on the clock. A through ball was played, though there was more than a suspicion of offside, and it was squared to Ben Tait who finished past George. The referee did consult his assistant which gave us a glimmer of hope, but the goal was confirmed and we would have to come from behind.

The introduction of Sam Deering just past the hour was exactly what we needed to inject some energy and creativity, and even at 34, Sammy proved that he is still a class act on the pitch and we play significantly better with him.

The equaliser came on 70, with Kaleel’s cross deflecting off a March defender into the path of Toheeb Elegushi, whose half volley found its way into the net. All of a sudden, The Lane was alive.

Both sides had chances to win the game before the 90, March saw a free kick saved well by George, and Jordy Gent had a header brilliantly kept out by the visitors’ number 1.

But it was the Bloods, not for the first time this season, who had the final say in added time. A nicely worked, patient move ended with a cross being floated to the back post, Toheeb won his header, and there was Fahad to apply the finish from 6 yards out. Cue absolute delirium from us fans behind the goal, and wild celebrations from players and staff. This is what football is all about.

The full time whistle blew shortly after – not before March had a late corner which came to nothing – and our place in the third round proper (or Last 64) was confirmed.

Video footage after full time showed George and Henry Mabassa appear to exchange words with their supporters at full-time. To be honest, they got what was coming as I heard some pretty nasty comments being made towards our players and this made the already-sweet victory that bit sweeter.

“We never panicked [at 1-0 down]”, Toheeb told me after the game. “We’ve been behind before so we kept fighting until the end of the game, and look what happened!”, he pointed to Fahad.

“It’s always nice to score a late goal”, our number 8 for the day added. “We worked so hard today, and I felt we deserved to get the win at the end.”

The draw is due to take place tomorrow, and I asked Fahad and Toheeb who they wanted us to face in the next round.

“Another home tie would be great”, Toheeb exclaimed.

Fahad agreed. “Credit to the fans as well, great support and good numbers here today, they got us right through to the end.”

We eagerly await the draw that will be published at 1pm on Monday – hopefully another home tie which will of course equal more money in the coffers, and we have no reason to fear any team at the moment.

 

As always, Up the Bloods.