CRAWLEY GREEN 0 BALDOCK TOWN 1 (HT 0-0)

Baldock Town progressed through to the Quarter-Final of the League Challenge Trophy with an impressive away performance at Crawley Green.

Meeting the Dirty Clarets for the 2nd time in four days, the Reds went in with four changes from Saturday’s 1-1 draw. Jack Farmer replaced Adam Harpur in goal, while Russell Bull and Kim Forsythe returned up front. Baldock Town also welcomed debutant Cade Stephens-Abbey, a defender/midfielder who can list Arlesey Town and Bedford Town as former clubs.

The Reds were very much in the ascendancy in the first half. Within the first 30 minutes Russell Bull could have quite easily bagged himself a hat-trick, although at the other end the hosts managed to hit the woodwork on two occasions. Kim Forsythe shot just wide and had a header find its way straight into the keeper’s arms.

The referee blew the whistle for the break with the scores amazingly remaining level at 0-0.

Within five minutes of the re-start, Russell Bull latched on to an Owen Robertson through ball, but put the ball wide. Daril Ngwala came on for Kim Forsythe and a minute later Baldock were ahead. Owen Robertson, who scored the equaliser in the League match on Saturday, again found the net to become the scourge of the Dirty Clarets. Further changes were made with Louis Lee coming on for Harry Holland in the 65th minute and Kieran Barnes for Cade Stephens-Abbey, two minutes later.

Baldock Town held on to book their place in the Quarter-Final where they will meet MK Gallacticos who caused a major shock putting Biggleswade FC out of the competition in this same 3rd round. Although it is actually classed as an away fixture, this match will be played on Wednesday 19th December at the New Lamb Meadow, kick-off 7.45pm.

Baldock Town: Farmer, Brooks, Stephens-Abbey (Barnes), Hayford, Priestner, Barker, Joy, Holland (L.Lee), Bull, Forsythe (Ngwala), Robertson. Unused subs: Gregson, Harpur (GK).

Next up for the Reds is a home league match against Oxhey Jets this coming Saturday 24th, kick-off 3pm.