Khalsa 1 FC United 3 - Report and pictures
Sporting Khalsa's incredible FA Cup run was finally put to an end by FC United of Manchester.
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It was a real fantastic occasion, with a record crowd of 2252 on hand at the Aspray Arena to witness Khalsa fall to a 3-1 defeat.
United substitute Chris Lindfield scored the decisive goal in the final 10 minutes.
Despite the rainy weather, the spirits of the fans were not dampened with a great show of support from both sides.
Although, the occasion could have turned ugly prior to kick-off when a set of fans clashed in the corner of the ground, with a flare being thrown onto the pitch as the players warmed up.
Kick-off was not affected though and, in the early exchanges both teams looked to have a good structure at the back, with no chances of note on either goal.
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The United fans were vocal throughout and made their presence felt once again on 22 minutes when another flare was thrown onto the field.
Upon the restart of play, United's Sam Madeley found space in the box but was denied by Khalsa goalkeeper James Pemberton.
Minutes later, United made the breakthrough when Luke Ashworth found himself unmarked in the box to head home from a corner.
Khalsa responded well, with Marvin Nesbitt denied on two occasions by fantastic blocks.
After those efforts though, United doubled their lead when Greg Daniels latched onto a long ball over the top of the defence before lobbing the ball over Pemberton.
There was little to separate the sides in the first period but two lapses in concentration proved costly for the home side.
The second period started relatively quiet, and both sides were quick to make changes, with United's Matthew Wolfenden coming on for Madeley.
Michael Nelson and Brad Lawley replaced Lee Wherton and Dave Meese for Sporting Khalsa.
Just after the hour mark, Khalsa responded through centre back Tes Robinson who poked the ball home from a Craig Bannister cross.
The goal was just what the game needed and Khalsa sprang back into life, going close again through Robinson.
Khalsa made a huge appeal for a penalty, when United defender Luke Ashworth appeared to handle the ball in his own box, but nothing was given by the referee.
As Khalsa made a desperate push for an equaliser, United hit on the break and substitute Craig Lindfield fired the ball low into the net to seal a place for them in the first round proper.
Ian Rowe's men came close, but ultimately were beaten by an FC United side who were clinical in front of goal.
Despite the result, it was a truly great day for Sporting Khalsa and occasion they will remember for years to come.
