It was another night to remember for Woodford Town in the Emirates FA Cup, as they dealt yet another giant-killing to make history and reach the Third Qualifying Round of the competition! This is the first time we have reached this stage since our reformation in 2017!

Manny Agboola was forced into a great save, whilst David Gokou hit the bar with a dipping, curling effort, in what was a relatively even first half, as both sides came close to breaking the deadlock. However, after the break, the tables turned, and we had the better chances before regulatory time concluded.

Roman Michael-Percil was stretchered off midway through the second period after a collision with the visitors’ defender and goalkeeper, which led to a lengthy stoppage. Everyone at the Club is sending him the very best wishes, and we hope it is nothing too serious.

That collision sparked a period of The Woods peppering the Bury Town goal, with Dimi Christou coming agonisingly close on two separate occasions deep into stoppage time. The first came from just a few yards out as Charlie Beckwith made an incredible save, and then again from a free kick, which, however, with no way through, we headed for extra time.

The first period of extra time was rather dull, with tired legs clearly evident from both sides, having played 90 minutes in the original tie just four days prior. However, a thrilling second half made up for it. Just two minutes after the kick-off, a loose pass allowed substitute Gabriel Ipanga to drive forward. He spotted fellow second-half sub Marko Protic across the box and slipped him in, with our number fourteen keeping his cool to slot home and give us the lead!

Wild celebrations ensued, and with the Ashton’s crowd thriving, as they did from minute one, Shane Baptiste’s side held on to thwart a late Bury assault and secure a simply massive victory against the Step Three side, setting up a Third Qualifying Round tie with Isthmian League Premier Division side St Albans City.

Starting XI: E. Agboola (GK); Owusu (C), Kirwan-Meade, John; Johnston (Steele - 112'), Jewers, Toussaint (Kebi - 90+11'), Gokou; Christou (Protic - 98'); Sotoyinbo (Ipanga - 81'), Michael-Percil (Kozak - 73').

Unused substitutes: Chinyere (GK), Mitchell-Nelson