PROUD City chief Ash Vincent has hailed his side for their willingness to stand up against tough teams after they sealed a trip to Pinchbeck United in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase.
Goals from Joe Hawkins and Sean Brain gave City a 2-0 win over Highgate United on Saturday and booked a visit to Lincolnshire.
City got off to a storming start, forcing three corners in the first few minutes and they got an early reward when a short corner was whipped in by Demetri Brown deep to the far post to be met by Hawkins, whose cushioned volley looped over the Highgate keeper.
Highgate had a good spell of their own, dominating a good 25-minute period, but City remained solid.
On 37 minutes, City went 2-0 up with an early goal of the season contender.
Highgate conceded a free kick just inside the halfway line, which was pumped deep into the far left wing to be met by Brain, who then beat three defenders, ran across the edge of the box, turned back in before hitting an unbeatable shot into the top left, despite calls of ‘pass it’ from many in the 304 crowd.
Minutes later, City were down to ten. A throw out by the Highgate keeper Beeson was chased down by Brown who raced back into the box, beating one defender before squaring to Brain, who cut inside lost the ball and whilst stretching came into contact with James Wilcock. Brain was red-carded.
The second half saw City pretty much on the defensive. Highgate attacked wave after wave but resolute City fought back at every opportunity and thoroughly deserved to gain the win and move into the next round
Vincent said: “At the start of the season I wanted to bring in some players with pride and passion and I think they showed they are here for the right reasons, to work for the shirt and the staff.
“I can see a team that is willing to dig in, to stand up against tough teams but when the quality needs to come out they have that in abundance too.”
The clash in Lincolnshire will take place on Saturday, October 12, meaning City’s proposed fixture at the Victoria Ground against Lye Town on Non-League Day will be postponed.
City will be looking for their fourth straight win in all competitions when they travel to the Black County to face Sporting Khalsa in the Midland Premier Division on Saturday.