Steyning Town eased into the preliminary round of the FA Cup with an ultimately comfortable win over Hilltop FC. However, the scoreline didn’t reflect everything that went on in the game. The visitors were excellent during the first 30 minutes after their long trip down from North London. The Barrowmen had keeper Stromberg to thank you once again for keeping them in the game as Hilltop created three or four great opportunities.
During the half chances were scarce at the other end with Steyning’s best chance falling to Goldson who side foot volleyed over when well placed.
However, there was a big turning point in the game just before half-time as Radley-Martin was there to round off a good move and a neat slide pass from Rogers to finish well into the bottom left hand corner. A great time to get your noses in front as the halftime whistle went.
No doubt there were a few constructive words at half-time as Town came out all guns blazing and put on a great second-half performance. They added the vital second goal minutes into the half as Meehan got on the end of a deep Malila cross, and nodded home as the keeper, tried to scramble clear.
By now the game was very open and free flowing from end to end and Hilltop spurned a great chance to get back into the game with a penalty on the hour.
However Stromberg was there again getting down well to his right for a fine save.
This ignited Town again, and they got on top and we’re looking to get the icing on the cake.
And the tasty icing with a cherry on top came in the last 10 minutes as Hilltop went down to 10 players. Firstly Barnes finished with a nice left foot from the edge of the box after being teed up by Francis. Seconds later, the tireless Weller pounced on a mistake and raced through to finish calmly. Right at the death there was still time for a disallowed Murrain goal.
4-0 and into the next round for Steyning however there had been a big scare early on and they will need to be on it from the first whistle next weekend as their Isthmian league campaign starts with a home game against the Merstham FC
Town: Stromberg-Clarke Weller Brown Da Costa Malila Barnes Edwards Radley-Martin Rogers Goldson
Subs used Francis Killick Towning Murrain Osei Not used Fuller Roberts
