It's FA Cup Round Two for You!

First Glovers goal
By Alex O'Loughlin
November 6 2010

Yeovil Town have earned a place in the FA Cup Second Round for the first time in four years, with a 1-0 win over Rushden & Diamonds. 

Coming into the game manager Terry Skiverton was forced into two changes, with Luke Ayling failing to recover from a rib injury, and Gavin Williams being refused permission to become cup tied by parent club Bristol City.

This led to Andy Williams and Andy Welsh being recalled to the side, with Kalala moving back into defence to accommodate the vacant right-back position. 

Yeovil lost their last FA Cup tie at Rushden & Diamonds 3-1, albeit four years ago, and were looking to earn a different fate this time round. 

The Blue Square Premier side have been on good form this season, with manager Justin Edinburgh picking up the manager of the month award.

And it was the Diamonds who got off to the better start, forcing John Sullivan into an excellent save from a Ryan Charles shot, which needed captain Paul Huntington to clear the danger.

Dean Bowditch's pedigree was beginning to show at the other end, with the strikers quick turn and shot flying just over the bar from some 25 yards. 

Unfortunately for Rushden & Diamonds they were forced into an early change, with defender Shane Huke sustaining an injury early on.

The biggest influence on the first half turned out to be the woodwork, with the upright and crossbar being struck three times in the opening half.

First to hit the post was Yeovil's Sam Williams, who could only find the woodwork after strike partner Dean Bowditch had been forced wide, only being able to cross for Williams.

And it was the Glovers who were denied by the post next, with defender Paul Huntington finding the angle too acute to do anything but hit the upright. 

In Lewwis Spence, Diamonds had a good attacking outlet, as he cannoned the bar from a long range deflected shot and found himself at the centre of most Rushden moves. 

But at the break the scoreline remained even, with the two league gap being unrecognisable. Yeovil's Dean Bowditch however stood out from the crowd, showing his class and quality.

The second half began brightly for the Green and Whites, with Adam Virgo almost finding the net from a free-kick, only for a Rushden defender to block heroically.

Sam Williams had already hit the post, and it was not be his day when the striker dragged his shot wide hitting the side netting. 

Despite being the home side, Diamonds were using a counter-attacking tactic, looking to hit Yeovil on the break and defend in numbers, as the Glovers cranked up the pressure.

Winger Andy Welsh was next to go close, with his edge of the box shot being saved well by 'keeper Joe Day.

As it looked like the tie was going to return to Huish Park, Yeovil snatched the lead, some what controversially as well. 

Star man Dean Bowditch had his shot parried by goalkeeper Joe Day, with the rebound being pounced upon by Andy Williams, who tapped in from 12 yards. A goal? However, the linesman had waved offside at Dean Bowditch seemingly denying Yeovil the opening goal.

But referee Mark Brown over ruled his linesman after a lengthy discussion, ruling Bowditch had not interfered with play after having his shot saved. 1-0 to the Glovers. 

Understandably the Rushden & Diamonds management were outraged with the decision, as Diamonds struggled to come to terms with the goal.

In fact, the Glovers played out the remaining minutes with relative ease, earning a place in the second round draw for the first time in four years.

They will have to improve if they are to progress further, but a clean sheet and victory would have done no end of good to the teams confidence, as they now look to concentrate on the league and attempt to top the rot which has seen them slump to 21st position in nPower League One.