'It's not over': Flackwell boss backing his boys for FA Cup upset at Bottom Meadow

Flackwell’s Connor Young forces home his side’s late equaliser against Bracknell Town. Photo credit: Jeremy Vaughan @jezz_takes_pics (instagram)

--

Flackwell Heath might have won Saturday’s FA Cup third qualifying round tie late on against Bracknell Town, and manager Chris Ayres said his son Matty will be ‘gutted’ he missed a big opportunity in stoppage time to send the Heathens through.

However, the Heathens are still in the competition; their name will be pulled out of the hat alongside Bracknell’s during this afternoon’s (Monday) fourth qualifying round draw at Wembley; and Ayres still believes his side have the capability to pull off an upset at Bottom Meadow.

Flackwell should probably have won the tie in stoppage time, but Matty Ayres managed to send a good chance wide of the mark from inside the area. His dad, and boss, Chris, accepts many will feel the step 4 side have missed their opportunity at home, but he doesn’t necessarily think that’s the case.

He said: “Technically, he’s (Matty) both footed. He’ll be gutted but he’s had an outstanding game to be fair, an outstanding game. He’ll be gutted but hopefully he can put it right for Tuesday.

“No, it’s not over. I think everyone will say that’s our chance. But we’ll be good on a 3G (pitch). We like a 3G and we’re still in the competition and we’ll go there and give it another good shot.”

Bracknell and Flackwell will lock horns once again in tomorrow night’s (Tuesday) third qualifying round replay, to determine which side advances to the final qualifying round.

Both these sides will be determined to claim at least two more wins in the competition and advance to the first-round proper - where they could be drawn out of the hat against an EFL side.

For the most part Saturday’s first tie was an even affair, with Flackwell defending well against their higher-level opponents. However, Bracknell gradually got to grips with their hosts and deservedly led the match when Alfie Pavey headed home Francis Amartey’s cross early in the second half.

Flackwell had big appeals for a penalty waved away when Harlem Hale appeared to be tripped in the area midway through the second half, however, it looked like the tie was getting away from them as the game entered the final 10 minutes.

The second half introduction of Jack Shakespeare for Charlie Bacon and Connor Young for Hale had given the home side a little more energy in the final third but clear-cut chances had been thin on the ground.

That was the case until the 81st minute when Shakespeare whipped in a cross from the right and Young managed to force the ball home at the far post.

Reflecting on the tie - and Flackwell’s chances of progressing to the next round via a replay, Chris Ayres said: “We were a bit disappointed to concede the goal. It was a poor goal to give away.

“Then it went a bit flat. But we made a couple of substitutions that gave us a lift. We’ve got the goal and then we’ve missed a great chance at the end. It’s a shame as I felt that would have been quite a result. But the performance of the boys was outstanding.

“We said ahead of the second half, we said try to get the goal first. But they got the goal and there was a bit of a lull. But the boys dug in, we knew that we’d create something, and we got the goal, but we just didn’t quite get the winner.”

On the second half penalty appeal for Harlem Hale that was overlooked, Ayres added: “Even some of their players admitted he didn’t get the ball. I thought the second one wasn’t, but the first one looked a blatant penalty.

“You could see he got there before him, and he’s fouled him. But it’s the referee’s decision.

“The subs came on and did really well. Jack’s come on and has set up the goal for Connor.

“We just couldn’t quite get over the line at the end. I’m proud of the boys for the way they’ve played against a good side that have great resources. They’re in a false position in the league.”