Tuesday, August 22 St Ives Town 2 March Town United 1 ST IVES progressed into the preliminary round of the FA Cup in a replay of three penalties and two sendings off. A crowd of 195 packed Westwood Road to see Saints striker Chris Ewles score twice from t

Tuesday, August 22

St Ives Town 2 March Town United 1

ST IVES progressed into the preliminary round of the FA Cup in a replay of three penalties and two sendings off.

A crowd of 195 packed Westwood Road to see Saints striker Chris Ewles score twice from the spot and book his side a trip to Cornard United on September 2.

Saints were boosted by the return from injury of Graeme Thackray who took his place up front alongside Ewles.

Much like the first encounter, this game got off to a flying start when Ewles netted his first penalty after nine minutes after Thackray was brought down in the area following some neat skill.

The game flowed from end to end after the goal but neither side could create a clear opportunity until a disastrous error from Saints goalkeeper Rob Mackney gave March the chance to equalise. The stopper dwelt too long on the ball outside his box and allowed Paul Shafer to disposses him, leaving Mackney no choice but to bring the forward down inside the area. Teddy Rimmell confidently tucked the ball away to level the scores for the visitors.

Saints began to lose their shape after the equaliser and March started to exert some pressure on the home goal but couldn't find another before the break.

The second half began in dramatic circumstances when a volleyed effort by Saints' Dan Newman bounced up and struck a March arm in a crowded penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Ewles stepped up to score his second penalty of the match, and third of the tie, with a calm finish while the March supporters berated the referee.

And just three minutes later the referee was the centre of attention again as he sent off a player from each side. Saints man Ian Fovargue was dismissed for an alleged spit and March's Harry Roe was also ordered off by the referee for retaliation.

Following the dismissals the game became scrappy and tired legs began to leave gaps across the field. March's Ashley Spendelow nearly scored a spectacular own goal when he sliced the ball into his goalkeepers' arms from the edge of his own area.

This amazing cup tie wouldn't be complete without one final twist and March substitute Danny Leaf almost provided it with a 25 yard piledriver that keeper Mackney shovelled onto the top of his crossbar and behind for a corner.

That was the last meaningful action of the match and Saints clung on to secure their first win in the FA Cup for more than 50 years.

Saints joint manager Jez Hall said: "I'm very pleased with the performance and it's great to get that first win under our belt.

"We're a little bit concerned about the amount of bookings we're picking up so we'll be having a word with the lads about that but it's very pleasing to get through.