ISUZU FA VASE SECOND ROUND
SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2024
EGHAM TOWN 2 (2)
Conor Cullen (44), Ben Peden (45 + 1)
HAYWARDS HEATH TOWN 1 (0)
Lewis Finney (70)

The leaders of Combined Counties Premier North hosted the leaders of Southern Combination Premier in this exciting Isuzu FA Vase Second Round tie, the Sarnies triumphing after repelling a second half comeback by the Sussex side.
Another new player was introduced into the starting line-up by Egham boss Jordan Berry, forward Conor Cullen arriving from Farnborough Town. Given that both sides were chasing both league and Vase progress, on the back of great starts, it was no surprise that the first half was largely cagey. Haywards Heath Town, backed by a raucous following, looked imposing going forward but Egham demonstrated a patient approach. Samad Kazi and skipper Reece Yorke kept the Heath forwards quiet. As the first period was heading towards its close, Egham made a determined move against rearguard that had begun to look increasingly shaky. In the 44th minute a superb cross by left back Callum Webb found the head of debutant Cullen, who planted his header beyond the reach of keeper Mitch Bromage. Only twice this season have Heath conceded more than one goal, once in a league match that they won and in the FA Cup against Isthmian Premier side Carshalton Athletic, who won 3-1. For such a parsimonious defence it was perhaps a shock to find themselves two down just two minutes later, Zac Hawker’s corner finding Ben Peden at the near post, for an instinctive header that proved crucial.
At half-time visiting officials were aghast at how badly their side had played, which took away somewhat from Egham’s performance. After the restart there was no doubt that Heath improved, but found the Sarnies resolution unshaken. Eight minutes in keeper Tyler Tobin demonstrated an astonishing burst of speed as he closed down the inrushing Lewis Finney, but until the same forward headed in after 70 minutes it was the home side who looked more dangerous. Ronan Hutchins, Tyrique Tekasala and Reece Yorke all came close, and in the 65th minute it looked as if Egham had taken a 3-0 lead as Hawker’s corner reached Webb, who turned the ball in off his legs. Referee Matthew Rendell ruled it out for handball. Later footage shows otherwise. A late opportunity for Tekasala sailed over the bar. When a late ball into a very crowded Egham box was safely gathered by Tobin he was mobbed as if he had scored. Then the final whistle was blown.
Egham face Milton United at home next Saturday. Milton thumped promotion rivals Amersham Town 4-1, but lost on penalties at Downton in the Vase on Saturday after a 1-1 draw. Downton are second from bottom of the Wessex Premier. The Sarnies are then away to Holyport (23rd) and Amersham Town (30th). The next round of the Vase is on 7 December, which means that the home game against Virginia Water will be postponed.
EGHAM TOWN: Tyler Tobin, Ben Peden, Callum Webb, Samad Kazi, Reece Yorke (Captain), Ayoub Igozouln (Luke Heneghan, 85), Zac Hawker (Marley Anderson-Richards, 78), Tyrique Tekasala, Harlem Hale (Karl Oliyide, 73), Ronan Hutchins (Alex Nolan, 67), Conor Cullen.