CRC’s campaign in the FA Vase ended in the qualifying rounds with a home defeat to UCL Division 1 club Harrowby United despite opening the scoring.
Owen Kerwan gave the hosts the lead midway through the half with a tap in at the far post after an excellent dribble and cross by James Akitunde on the right wing. The lead didn’t last long however, with Harrwoby scoring the first of two wonderful goals before half time.
The first just three minutes later was a looping half volley from 20 yards which evaded keeper Mcnulty to equalise. Harrowby took the lead just before half time as CRC looked a little flat and lacking in focus having seen teammate Kerwan stretchered off with what looked a bad injury just moments earlier. After a neat one two, the same Harrowby striker unleashed a ferocious strike from 22 yards which flew into the top corner.
CRC came out fighting second half and looked like they had equalised when Ben Prings header hit the bar and bounced on the goal line. The hosts continued to search for a goal into the dying stages and despite a good effort, couldn’t quite find the break through to remain in the competition.
Mark Bonner said, “Our opening goal was excellent, their two goals were excellent but could’ve been prevented in the build up. They came and fought for everything, unfortunately they showed more desire to win the game than us. We played well in patches and created chances, but we haven’t a cutting edge. We need to have more winners in the room who demand more from us and can deliver quality when we need it. You don’t get any second chances in cup football, that’s it. That’s a costly defeat and we need to raise our game and quickly.”
Team; Mcnulty, North, Pring, Heath, Burns, Hancock, Lowe, Kerwan (Cook 40), Horne, Doyle, Akintunde Not Used; Banthorpe, Coy, Joynes