Wick make Vase exit

The form book suggested that top of the Kent League’s Premier Division VCD Athletic should walk this tie. That was not the case, however, as neither side seemed interested in taking the game by the scruff of the neck, but it was the team from Dartford who eventually took the £750 prize money.

In short, the game was a poor one, lacking that little bit of quality that would have seen a result in normal time. You could not fault the endeavour of both sides on a slippery surface with a set of officials who had a mixed game at best, the culmination of which saw Wick’s manager Gary Block sent to the stands after 54 minutes.

Both sides had chances to win the game and save the disappointing crowd enduring the extra 30 minutes. Wick debutant Scott Dormer should have opened the scoring after just 11 minutes but Jack Bradshaw in the VCD goal was off his line quickly to smother the opportunity.

Wick keeper Greg Forster produced a good tip over from Tom Gamblin, but the Wick custodian could only watch as an Adam Heaselwood free kick rattled the bar and Tom Bradshaw missed the rebound.

Striker Bradshaw was a thorn in Wick’s side after that, and had he got a better contact on a chip over Forster just a minute into the second half would have put the visitors ahead.

The introduction of winger Jack Beadle livened the home side up a little and he forced a good save from keeper Bradshaw.

Come the last five minutes of normal time and the game really came to life with Adam Plummer getting the ball over Bradshaw but not into the net and balls flying across the Wick area begging for a touch to seal the tie.

The first half of extra-time followed a similar pattern as neither side could find that definitive touch to win the game, but after 111 long minutes the ball ricocheted to Tom Bradshaw who could not miss from three yards and then with Wick pushing for an equaliser, he doubled his tally in the 122nd minute to give the scoreline a slightly flattering look.

Block said: “I felt we deserved a draw out of the game, but we battled well against a side who are top of a strong league. It’s a long road for us but with new players coming in, we’ll get there sooner rather than later.”

WICK: Forster; Urquhart, Bradshaw, Boniface, Baggura; French, Dormer, Wrigley, D.Towers; Forden, Plummer; Subs: Wilkins, S.Towers, Beadle, Baker, Kason.