So it was Buildbase FA Vase 1st Round Proper day and I was over at the Terrance McMillan Stadium at Newham Leisure Centre for the tie between Canning Town and Biggleswade.
Both sides had caused upsets in the previous round to get to this stage, Canning Town knocking out ESL sideSouthend Manor on penalties, whilst Biggleswade had also knocked out ESL opposition in the shape of Takeleyafter extra time, so both knew this would be a tight affair no doubt.
Hosts Canning Town were still Step 7 and an Intermediate side so the Step 6 and Senior side Biggleswade were probably slight favourites for this one however the hosts started the better and straight from the off almost saw Julian Edwards get in but the visiting keeper managed to punch clear.
The hosts looked well up for this battle and moments later saw an effort fly over from distance before a corner from the home side saw centre half Barratt head just wide. And then poor sloppy play from a visitors goal kick saw the hosts in on goal but the finish was lofted over. It was a great chance and after only ten minutes Canning Town could have already been a couple of goals to the good.
Biggleswade had not got going at all although they did produce a decent strike on twelve minutes but host keeper Nick Wilson was equal to it then moments later play switched down the other end and saw the hosts loop an effort over the bar. On the quarter hour mark Edwards got in for the hosts but poked a weak finish at the keeper as another golden chance went begging for the East Londeners.
And then midway through the half came their best chance of taking the lead when the hosts were awarded a penalty for handball, but Edwards saw his penalty saved and you wondered if it was going to be one of those days for the home side, however, two minutes later they were awarded another spot kick after a foul inside the area, and this time Dean Pearson took responsibility and converted to give Canning Town a more than deserved lead.
The goal seemed to see the hosts tempo drop though and let the visitors have more time on the ball and on 33 minutes a free kick saw Wilson make a brilliant save to his right to keep the hosts ahead and two minutes before the break Biggleswade struck another long range effort just wide but the hosts went into the break still ahead and more than happy with how things were panning out.
Half Time Canning Town 1 Biggleswade 0
Biggleswade knew they would simply have to turn up in the second half if they were going to stay in the competition and sure enough they came out a different side and six minutes into the half equalised when a George Riley cross was turned into his own net byBarratt at the near post, and then on 56 minutes the visitors had turned this tie on its head when sloppy play from the hosts saw keeper Wilson concede a penalty and Riley convert the spot kick, meaning the hosts were suddenly chasing the game.
You felt at this point though the extra fitness and speed of the visitors would shine through and on 63 minutes so nearly made it three when they got in behind the defence but saw Wilson make a brilliant stop to keep his side in the contest, and it proved a pivotal moment as only a couple of minutes later the hosts went up the other end and saw them smash home a leveller throughTommy Phillips and the tie was all square.
The goal gave Canning Town the belief again after it seemingly was drifting away and their tempo certainly was upped once again, however with nine minutes to go the visitors got their noses in front for the second time as a ball across the box was controlled and put beyond Wilson by George Bailey for what many thought could be the winning strike.
But this Canning Town side are made of strong stuff and unbelievably levelled just four minutes later when a scramble in the box was eventually rammed home by Ky Mclements to send this tie into extra time and with either side feeling they could win this tie it was hard to call who would come through the winners after the extra half hour.
Full Time Canning Town 3 Biggleswade 3
The opening period of extra time was fairly quiet on the chances front, that was until the hosts had a golden chance to take the lead right at the end of it, as they got in on goal but again they were wasteful and the chance went. The second period of extra time was a different kettle of fish though, beginning when the hosts thought they had headed themselves in front but then saw it ruled out for offside, but moments later they did lead when Edwards rifled home from inside the area, and Canning Town dared to dream of another upset.
Sadly for the hosts this tie was to have yet another twist and on 110 minutes saw the visitors level once again as a superb ball swung into the six yard box by Mark Franklin saw a close range header from Tom Cookmanbeat Wilson and set up the final ten minutes perfectly.
Wilson then had to produce a stunning one handed save to prevent the visitors from going in front and then it was Biggleswade’s turn to see a header ruled out for offside. The hosts then saw a close range header blocked for a corner as both sides went for the kill but with four minutes left and a replay looming, the visitors struck the killer blow as a ball across the six yard box saw Cookman get in front of his marker to turn home from close range, sending the visitors wild with delight.
It was a moment that finally decided this topsy turvy tie and for the losers it was utterly heartbreaking after they gave everything they had. They had more than played their part in what was an utterly outstanding cup tie, and although Biggleswade were the winners, football was the ultimate winner on the day. Fantastic stuff and both sides were a credit to themselves.
Full Time Canning Town 4 Biggleswade 5 (aet)
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