FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round

Tonbridge Angels 1 Cirencester Town 2

ZACK KOTWICA, restored to the Cirencester Town starting line-up after three games on the bench, scored two goals which saw his side edge past Rymans League high-fliers Tonbridge Angels in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy.

The Cheltenham Town loanee scored in the third and the 73rd minute of a tie played in extremely difficult conditions – incessant rain on a near-waterlogged pitch. Nevertheless, it was a terrific tie and the commitment was a credit to both sides.

Town built on their improved performance in defeat at Leamington: the defence was determined, the midfield hardworking and the forwards lively, notably Kotwica who looked much more like the player he was in early-season.

Town made their intentions clear from the outset with Matt Liddiard striking a fierce right-footed drive from 25 yards that required keeper Anthony Di Bernardo to dive full-length to parry the ball wide of goal.

And in the third minute they were ahead when Brad Hooper played a possibly offside Kotwica down the right channel. He advanced into the penalty area before calmly placing a shot wide of Di Bernardo.

The pressure had all been from Cirencester but in the 16th minute Nathan Elder rose at the near post to powerfully head home a Jack Parter cross.

Two minutes from the interval referee Greg Reed stopped the game to discuss the conditions with the two managers but eventually allowed play to continue. During the interval the ground-staff worked tirelessly forking the pitch to clear much of the surface water to ensure the game had the best chance of finishing.

After the restart, teasing work on the flank by Ollie Knight teed up Brad Hooper who struck a right-footed shot that Di Bernardo tipped over the bar. The endeavour from both teams was remarkable in the conditions as the game switched from end to end.

As the final 15 minutes approached Cirencester were awarded a free kick 35 yards out. Kotwica pinged it towards the back post and the ball dropped under the bar to give the Centurions a vital 2-1 lead.

While Tonbridge pushed forward in search of an equaliser and put Cirencester under pressure the visitors were still dangerous on the counter, Liddiard firing a dangerous cross through the six-yard box which none of his colleagues was able to convert.

Virtually on full time Elder had a shot deflected over the bar and with Di Bernardo lending height to the attack, Luke Blewden headed wide of the post prompting the referee to end a game which had been played in a great spirit throughout.

Cirencester Town: Garner, Anson, Dunton, Pritchett, Hooper, Henry (capt), Liddiard, Mortimer-Jones, Griffin (Bennett, 64), Knight (Thompson, 64, Kotwica (Langworthy, 78). Unused sub: Herring.