Round-up: Pitmen exit FA Cup with replay defeat

Frankie Merrifield scored in each half to send the Isthmian League club through to the next round, while the Pitmen were left considering a case of what might have been after two closely-fought contests.

Gavin Hurren’s team had come close to winning the tie at the first time of asking last weekend but were denied by some excellent saves from Billericay goalkeeper Sam Donkin.

The latter was again in fine form during Tuesday’s replay in Essex, particularly during the second half as the visitors pushed for parity.

Merrifield had opened the scoring 10 minutes before half-time when he followed in on the rebound after Hednesford goalkeeper Tony Breeden had pushed Jack Evans’ long-range shot onto the crossbar.

Donkin then denied Ahkeem Rose early in the second half but despite dominating for large spells, the visitors could not find a leveller and it was Merrifield who then put the result beyond doubt with his second of the night three minutes from time.

Rushall goalkeeper Jake Davies-Manton was the hero as they beat Port Vale on penalties to progress in the Staffordshire Senior Cup.

Anthony Dwyer and Alex Moore were on the mark for the Pics in an entertaining 2-2 draw, with Davies-Manton then saving twice as the home side won the shoot-out 4-2.

Sporting Khalsa’s tough start to the season continued as they were beaten 1-0 at Stalybridge Celtic.

A first half goal from Benni Smales-Braithwaite was enough to earn the home side victory, with Khalsa remaining in the Northern Premier League West Division drop zone.

Chasetown are up to second after a 2-0 win over Wythenshawe Town. Max Chimenes got the opener for the Scholars, with substitute Kieran Cook adding a second late on.