Ian Evatt experienced another tough weekend with Bolton Wanderers heading out of the FA Cup to League One Crewe Alexander. A 3-2 loss, albeit in the cup, will only add to the misery of Bolton fans of late. Despite a goal ten minutes from time for two-goal man Delfounseso to set up a nervy ending to the match, Bolton couldn’t muster a third shot on target.
Stockport County continued their fantastic league form into the cup and took a League One scalp, with a 2-1 win over Greater Manchester rivals Rochdale. A wonderful goal from inside his own half from Rooney after seven minutes was followed by a Reid goal seven minutes later. Rochdale pulled one back after 22 minutes after a header from Lund. Despite being dominated in possession, County held on to progress to the second round.
Richie Wellens start to life as Salford City manager was a successful one with a 2-0 win over National League Hartlepool after extra time. The Non-League side held the Ammies for the 90 minutes of play, as they’re no replays this season, the tie went straight to extra time. Andrade and Dieseruvwe progressing the League Two side at the end of both halves of extra time.
Unfortunately, there was no FA Cup fairytale for FC United. They welcomed League One side Doncaster Rovers to Broadhurst Park. The levels in class were apparent from the start with Doncaster racing into a 2-0 lead. FC United managed to grab one back through good work from Linney, leaving him 1-1 with the keeper to slide home. However, this only seemed to spur Doncaster on and they put the non-league side to the sword with three second-half goals sealing a dominant win.
Oldham Athletic progressed with a 3-2 win over National League South side Hampton & Richmond. Oldham took the lead through Garrity after six minutes, with Hampton equalising after half an hour. Oldham scored either side of the break to take a 3-1 lead, however, Deadfield got his second of the match after 75 minutes to make it an exciting end.
National League North side Chorley took Wigan Athletic to extra time after the sides were level 2-2 at full time. Hall made it 3-2, two minutes into the additional time and Chorley claimed a famous victory of League One Wigan, who themselves are in a season of turmoil, with this result only adding to John Sheridan’s headache at the DW Stadium.
Two league matches to note were that of Altrincham, as they lost 1-0 to Wealdstone in the National League. With them finally catching up their matches in hand. Curzon Ashton in the National League North slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Blyth Spartans. Which is there third defeat on the bounce.
